Researchers say the bright light emitted by an iPad could give some people who enjoy reading before bedtime a case of insomnia. That’s because the iPad uses a back-lit display rather than the “e-paper” found in other popular e-readers such as the Kindle that mimic the printed, duller page by reflecting light from elsewhere. And being held close to the face means that, in theory, the iPad affects the body’s melatonin cycle more than watching late-night reruns on a television that is clear across the room.
“If you’re using a Kindle — which doesn’t use a significant light source — that may potentially have less of an impact compared to a device like a laptop or an iPad with more significant light exposure,” said Alon Avidan, a neurologist and associate director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The fact that the iPad has a full-color screen — blue light in particular sparks alertness — and offers Web browsing delivered at high internet speeds and other engaging computer activity, unlike other dedicated e-readers, could also keep people from getting a good night’s rest, scientists say.
Of course, Kindle just announced that they’re adding Facebook and Twitter access.
But Kindle can also help you sleep with their other functions like the Read-To-Me Feature, which lets Kindle basically read you a bedtime story. You can also drift off to audiobooks, podcasts or music.
Sure, you can do much the same with an iPad, if you want to get some sleep after reading. But maybe if you really want to sleep, you should disconnect, shut off the lights and close your eyes.