Institute for Continuing Education

Computers and Sleep

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Describe the mechanisms by which digital technology affects sleep health, including blue light exposure suppressing melatonin secretion, cognitive and emotional arousal from content engagement, and circadian phase delay from evening screen use.
• Explain the role of melanopsin-containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mediating light's effects on circadian rhythms and how short-wavelength blue light from screens impacts this system.
• Identify research findings on relationships between screen time and sleep outcomes across populations, including effects on sleep duration, quality, latency, and circadian timing in children, adolescents, and adults.
• Recognize individual differences in susceptibility to technology-related sleep disruption, including age-related sensitivity, chronotype variations, and genetic factors affecting circadian photoreception.
• Apply evidence-based recommendations for mitigating technology's negative sleep effects, including timing restrictions, blue light filtering strategies, device settings optimization, and behavioral interventions.
• Understand the sleep technologist's role in assessing technology use during patient intake, providing education about digital hygiene for sleep health, and supporting patients in implementing practical strategies to reduce screen-related sleep disruption.
• Evaluate emerging technologies including wearable sleep trackers, sleep apps, and smart home devices, understanding their potential benefits and limitations for sleep health monitoring and improvement.

Course Information