Mobile technology, sleep, and circadian disruption

The last two decades have seen the meteoric rise of mobile technology use across all ages, countries and cultures. The popularity of these devices is, no doubt, driven by their capacity to facilitate activities in numerous domains, including: communication with others, access to information, performance of work/education, and engagement in leisure entertainment. This trend is certain to continue, as mobile technology was once considered a convenient accessory but has now become a necessary part of everyday life. There is much to be gained by using mobile technology, but at what cost? Mounting evidence suggests that the behavior of using mobile devices near or during the typical bedtime negatively impacts one’s sleep. The focus of this chapter is to examine the relationship between mobile technology and sleep, and describe potential ways in which these modern devices are altering sleep duration and quality, which may lead to consequences for health.