Simplified Explanation Why We Can’t Fall Asleep at Night

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Zanzebek

Have you ever wondered why you don’t want to sleep at night even though you were sleepy the whole day? I experience that a LOT, but never actually got to understand why I can’t fall asleep at night even when I’m so tired. However, the recent article from The Economist explained everything. Here’s my simplified version.

1. Certain brain part makes Melatonin.
2. Melatonin — hormone that regulates sleep. The more there’s melatonin in your brain, the easier it is to fall asleep.
3. In the past it used to makes us sleepy at night when there’s no sunlight.
4. Brain reacts to Blue Light the most. More blue light — less melatonin
5. Smartphone, tablet and computer screens are rich of Blue Light.
6. Browse at iPhone, iPad or Mac at night, chances are you aren’t going to sleep for the next couple of hours.

It’s THAT simple. Now it’s another thing I like doing that I can’t do at night (drinking coffee and browsing web) before an important day.