Children born within the last 10 years have grown up with technology. Coincidentally, in the last 50 years, anxiety and depression rates have gone up 50%. What's the explanation for this sudden jump?
Anxiety disorders are centralized in two parts of the brain, the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala is the control center for happiness, fear, anger, stress, and friendliness. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the prefrontal cortex that, in excess, triggers anxiety. So when these aren't functioning properly, it leads to serious problems. Brain development is crucial for children. However, with new technology comes new questions about risk factors.
The blue light given off by technology actually suppresses a very important chemical in the brain. Melatonin is released in order to keep the body's biological clock in order. Many studies have recently showed that the blue light restricts melatonin secretion and disturbs sleep. People may not notice they are having interrupted rest, but some may experience tossing and turning or waking up frequently during the night. The most important stage of brain development occurs in the REM stage, also the last stage of the sleep cycle. If children are using the blue light close to bed time and holding handheld devices close to their face, they are experiencing the negative effects of blue light and may not make it to that necessary REM stage. Through that connection, their brains are not developing correctly and are at an increased risk for mental disorders.
