Student discusses how modern technology ruins sleep cycles

February 7, 2026 - 20:18

The intricate and often detrimental relationship between modern technology and natural sleep patterns was the focus of a recent campus lecture. The presentation, titled “Broken Clocks: How Industrialization Changed our Sleep and Circadian Rhythms,” was delivered by junior Madeleine Chloe.

Chloe’s talk delved into the historical impact of industrialization, notably the invention of artificial light, on humanity’s innate circadian rhythms. She explained how the constant glow from screens and the prevalence of 24/7 connectivity have severely disrupted the body’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone essential for sleep. This disruption, she argued, is a primary contributor to the widespread sleep deprivation seen in contemporary society, leading to consequences for mental acuity, physical health, and emotional well-being.

However, Chloe presented a nuanced view, suggesting that the same technological progress that created the problem also holds potential solutions. “In one sense, industrialization maybe ruined our sleep, but in another sense, it could actually help us sleep better,” she stated. The lecture highlighted how modern sleep science, enabled by technology, provides deeper understanding of sleep stages. Furthermore, applications and devices designed to monitor sleep quality, filter blue light, or regulate smart home environments can be harnessed as tools to reclaim healthy rest. The key, according to the presentation, lies in mindful and intentional use of technology to serve our biological needs, rather than allowing it to dictate them.