Is Your iPad Keeping You Up at Night?

A study published online July 31 in Applied Ergonomics found that the light emitted from an iPad on the brightest setting and used for two hours suppresses the production of melatonin. Normally melatonin is secreted starting about 2 hours before bedtime. If the onset of melatonin is suppressed at that time, it can delay the normal sleep pattern. In previous research, these researchers did not find that computer use or watching television suppressed melatonin in any significant amounts. However, tablet computers are typically viewed from a closer distance. The effect would probably be less pronounced if the brightness setting is turned down. The new iPad also has a nighttime setting where the background is dark and the letters white. This setting emits a lot less light. 

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