When comparing the past and the present, it can be observed that humans have decreased their sleep hours. The main factor for this change is the creation of the internet, as it has led to a fast-paced society focused on productivity, and with no time or interest in “losing time” sleeping, but paying the health-related consequences of this poor habit.
New technologies have dramatically changed how society values time, and in consequence, how much of our limited time should be spent sleeping. More than ever before, people have access to entertainment and information 24h a day 7 days per week. While 50 years ago families would spend their evenings doing analogue activities, now people spend their hours on their phones watching addictive videos or working remotely. This increased need for productivity, and constant stimuli has led to a need for more active hours during the day, and a consequent reduced importance of our sleep.
Sleeping less hours than recommended decreases the quality of life and leads to physical and psychological health related disorders, as it distorts our circadian rhythms. Already several studies have been undertaken proving the harmful effects on our bodies. As the night approaches our bodies release naturally a substance called melatonin. This molecule not only helps us fall asleep but initiates a chain of effects on our body that lead to processes like fat burning. In consequence, reducing the number of sleep hours can lead to weight increase. Similarly, while sleeping the human body recovers and heals from the stress of the day, not providing our bodies with enough sleep time can hinder these relaxation and healing processes, which in consequence affects our psychological health. This making it more difficult to focus and remain calm during the day.
To conclude, the people’s sleep hours have decreased in the last years. This change can be attributed to the creation of the internet and its consequent impact on our society’s life style. A productivity focused mindset that impacts our health when not investing enough time into sleeping.