Safe Care CommitmentExpert care for in-person and virtual visits; New visitor policy (6/12)Learn more
NewsMar | 5 | 2018
Scientists have identified a worrisome new form of insomnia: sleeplessness linked to smartphone overexposure.
According to a study published in PLoS ONE, the blue light from a smartphone screen can over-stimulate the brain and interfere with sleep quantity and quality. The researchers used a special phone app to log the number of hours a group of 650 participants spent staring at their smartphone screens and tracked their sleep at night.
They found that participants used their smartphones an average of 38 hours over the month-long study period, and that the more screen time they had, the poorer and shorter their sleep. The effect was particularly noticeable when participants used their smartphones near bedtime. Researchers concluded that reducing screen time, especially before going to bed, can improve sleep duration and quality.
This article originally appeared in Mind, Mood & Memory, a publication of the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital dedicated to maintaining mental fitness from middle age and beyond.
A third of Americans show signs of clinical depression and an anxiety. These and other mental conditions are becoming amplified during the recent pandemic, while COVID-19 patients and their families are also at high risk to develop depression and anxiety.
As the initial surge of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, Massachusetts General Hospital leaders are discussing the transition to strategies for recovery and wellness.
Amir Mohareb, MD, of the Infectious Disease Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, outlines steps you can take to reduce your risk for the coronavirus when going back to work.
Our employees have access to additional resources, including a range of virtual support tools, services, and programs (log-in required).
The Home Base Program at Mass General Hospital is dedicated to providing mental health care and support for Veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their Families – all at no-cost.
In times of stress and uncertainty, a number of strategies can be helpful for maintaining well-being and promoting resilience.
