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People in high-tech societies enjoy longer and better-quality sleep than those in non-industrialized environments, but suffer more potentially damaging disruption to natural biological rhythms, research has found.

The findings challenge the idea that technology dependence is causing an epidemic of sleep deprivation, but support the thesis that factors such as lack of sunlight and the use of blue-light-emitting screens may have harmful effects.

The study is part of an expanding effort to understand how aspects of restlessness in urban life might contribute to fatigue, depressive disorders and physical conditions such as obesity and cancers.

It suggests the story might be less straightforward than the “sleeplessness epidemic” that some researchers have indicated is a consequence of 21st-century conditions.

The idea that sleep has been getting worse because of modernity has been the dominant narrative for over a decade. Our research shows us a much more nuanced picture. Sleep in large-scale economies is much better than in small-scale — but this comes at a cost, by disrupting our delicate circadian systems.

The idea that sleep has been getting worse because of modernity has been the dominant narrative for over a decade.

The study looks at the underlying causes of sleep problems that have been estimated to affect more than 90 million people in the U.S. alone. It analyzed metadata from studies carried out between 1967 and 2022 from 21 countries, including highly industrialized and non-industrialized societies.

People slept for an average of about 45 minutes longer each night in the industrialized societies, the research found, for a total of just over seven hours. Those in an industrialized environment scored 14 percent higher on “sleep efficiency,” a measure of the proportion of their time in bed that an individual spends sleeping.

But the researchers found a different story when they examined circadian function, or the physical, mental and behavioral states that the body experiences in a 24-hour cycle. The study suggested a “significant negative association between industrial society and a reduction in circadian function.”

Other studies have suggested that disruption to normal circadian rhythms can have damaging and wide-ranging health impacts, because of effects such as inflammation and suppression of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin.

Circadian dysfunction has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, increased cardiovascular disease risks in night-shift workers, and mental health problems.

One possible explanation for the study’s findings is that people living in industrialized settings enjoy the sleep benefits of amenities such as air conditioning and comfortable bedding, the researchers said.

On the other hand, they face more exposure to artificially generated light from street lamps to smartphone screens, which interferes with circadian rhythms.

Industrialized societies should “absolutely hold on to the major technological gains in sleep security” but do more to “sync our circadian clocks with the natural world,” Samson said.

Industrialized societies should “absolutely hold on to the major technological gains in sleep security” but do more to “sync our circadian clocks with the natural world.”

This could include “biomimicry” to create doses of bright light in the morning and “oscillating temperatures that rise gently with the sun,” he added.

The “interesting and thoughtful” research suggested ideas such as how “houses of the future could be better equipped to maintain our circadian health,” said Malcolm von Schantz, professor of chronobiology at Northumbria University.

“The windows on modern aircraft can be darkened or brightened at the touch of a button,” he said. “Will the windows of future houses be programmed to start letting blue light through during the morning even before we wake up?”

“The windows on modern aircraft can be darkened or brightened at the touch of a button,” he said. “Will the windows of future houses be programmed to start letting blue light through during the morning even before we wake up?”

Malcolm von Schantz, professor of chronobiology at Northumbria University

Practical Applications and Future Directions

As we delve deeper into the implications of these findings, it becomes clear that the future of sleep health in America will require a balanced approach. While technology has undoubtedly improved our sleep quality, it has also introduced new challenges. The integration of circadian-friendly design elements in modern architecture and urban planning could be a game-changer.

For instance, smart home technologies that mimic natural light cycles and temperature variations could help mitigate the negative effects of artificial light. Companies like Philips and Circadian Optics are already developing products that emit blue-light-free illumination, which could be a step in the right direction.

Moreover, public health initiatives could focus on educating the population about the importance of circadian health. This could include campaigns to reduce screen time before bed, promote outdoor activities during daylight hours, and encourage the use of circadian-friendly lighting in workplaces and homes.

Counterarguments and Criticisms

Some critics argue that the study’s findings are oversimplified and do not account for the diverse lifestyles and environmental factors that influence sleep quality. They suggest that more longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of industrialization on sleep health.

Additionally, some experts contend that the benefits of technology, such as improved healthcare and increased productivity, outweigh the potential drawbacks on sleep. They propose that rather than demonizing technology, we should focus on optimizing its use to enhance our well-being.

However, the consensus among many sleep researchers is that a balanced approach is necessary. While technology can enhance our lives in numerous ways, it is crucial to recognize and address its potential negative impacts on our biological rhythms.

Conclusion

The study’s findings underscore the complex relationship between technology and sleep health. While industrialized societies enjoy better sleep quality, they also face significant challenges in maintaining natural circadian rhythms. As we continue to advance technologically, it is essential to prioritize our health and well-being by integrating circadian-friendly practices into our daily lives.

By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of technology do not come at the cost of our natural biological rhythms, ultimately leading to a healthier and more balanced society.