Our modern lifestyle may lead to increasing sleep deprivation and insomnia among the young and old alike. Thanks to the advent of modern technology, most people are guaranteed at least one or more sleepless nights, at least according to a recent study published in Sleep and Biological Rhythms. Researchers investigating sleep quality recently revealed that daytime sleepiness may be related to the unusual patterns of sleeping in the “light” rather than in the dark.

According to researchers, our bodies are accustomed to a sleep cycle initiated by dark, which typically occurs as the sun sets. Unlike our ancestors however, most modern humans don’t necessarily sleep when it is “dark” outside. In fact, an active nightlife is quite common nowadays.

This increasing exposure to light during the early evening hours may decrease your quality of sleep. The presence of excessive light at night, often called “light pollution,” often tricks the body into thinking it is daytime rather than nighttime. This can make it hard for you to fall asleep.

Certain types of light affect sleep more than others. For example, blue light, the type of light often emitted from television sets or computers, is more likely to interrupt the body’s production of natural sleep hormones than the small 10 watt light bulb you may use as a night light. Scientists believe that this blue light is more likely to interfere with one’s ability to reach deep levels of REM sleep than other inhibiting factors, like alcohol or exercise before bedtime.

What can you do to prevent light pollution from interfering with your sleep? First, reduce your exposure to the amount of artificial light you are exposed to within a 24-hour cycle.

Make sure you practice good sleep hygiene, which includes getting to bed at a decent hour, avoiding television or other stimulating activities at least one or more hours before bedtime, and leaving your stress at the bedside table, not wrapped up in your head before you hit the sack. Only then will you be able to say goodnight to insomnia.