Should You Check Your Phone Before Bed?

We think you already know the answer to this one, folks.

Shutting your phone down for the night and truly unplugging before bed can be challenging to say the least. You might even wonder if you actually need to do it (psychologists call this "rationalization").

The answer -- and we suspect you already know this -- is that yes, you absolutely must do it. Many studies have found that looking at a screen before bed has a negative impact on the quality of your sleep. One study even suggests it can make you less focused and alert the next day.

We understand the confusion surrounding whether or not it's really that bad to scroll through Instagram one last time before shut-eye, so we've put together this handy flow chart to settle it once and for all.

Print it out, tape it to your nightstand and enjoy a much more peaceful, relaxed sleep cycle:

Alissa Scheller

Now, may we suggest doing one of these screen-free activities instead?

Also on HuffPost:

Kokoon EEG Headphones

17 Gadgets To Help You Sleep

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE