iPad image courtesy of Apple. Kindle image courtesy of Amazon. Tortured Mortal Kombat Photoshop illustration by Joshua O'Connell.
Back when the iPad was announced and the book reading feature was revealed as part of the full list of functions, I noted the question of reading on a back-lit screen and whether there could be consequences to that. I mentioned eyestrain, which is obvious, but that’s not the only side effect of a bright screen.
Now, experts are noting that the Kindle’s e-Ink has another benefit – it can make it easier to fall asleep. I, for one, sometimes like to read at night, and I’ve noticed how naturally I can fall asleep, just as easily as when I was reading standard books in bed. Experts note that because the Kindle doesn’t have a backlit screen, it doesn’t interfere with the body’s natural processes. However, the iPad, with its bright screen, can cause your body to be thrown off and stop the needed release of melatonin. Those who already have insomnia issues should take note, as well as those who have occasional sleeping issues, as this could push you over the edge.
This does give the Kindle another strong selling point, but really, I just like reusing that Mortal Kombat Photoshop.
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times via Gizmodo
It isn’t the light–I’ve had the iPad for three days, and have hardly slept. I as using neither to read books, listen to music, nor late at night. I’ve had a similar experience using the track pad on a Mac laptop, and switched to an external keyboard. The iPad insomnia is much more pronounced.
There is a connection between insomnia and using the iPad for some people. This is mistakenly attributed to the light emitted by the iPad screen. It would be beneficial to know more about how a track pad and the touch screen work, as it is undoubtedly these rather than the light emitted which is causing sleep disturbances. What is the effect upon the body? The iPad is a great innovation, and yet there must be possible health effects as of yet unexamined.
Comment by Kate — June 2nd, 2010 @ 6:52 am
Some people who use their iPad only for a couple of minutes before going to bed- just to tweet or send a quick email- find themselves unable to fall asleep for the next few hours.
Comment by Chan — August 23rd, 2010 @ 10:26 am
I have had the iPad and iPhone for several weeks and have been unable to fall asleep until the middle of the night. I used to play
Word games on My Blackberry without a problem and
I am convinced that the backlit screen plays
Havoc with sleep sensitive people. Too bad because I love the iPad but tonight it will not be turned on . Sleep deprivation is a killer. Back to my crossword puzzle books in the evening. So much for the fun!!
Joanne James
Comment by Jonijames — April 9th, 2011 @ 4:19 pm