Our circadian rhythm is naturally adapted to the alternating cycle of light and darkness on the planet we live on. However, over the past century, we humans have gained unlimited access to light at all times of the day. Today, screens, large and small, follow us everywhere we go; they affect us whether we want them to or not, both through the content and the light from the screen.

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From a biological perspective, our circadian rhythm is usually fairly stable, but in today's society this is challenged for those with changing or unfavorable working hours. For some, social activities combined with school or work can push sleep down the priority list, until you make up for lost time on the weekends.

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At the same time, sleep is also more talked about in the news than ever. An almost endless array of sleep-related products and services are available. Blue light glasses. Smart watches. Smart rings. Phone apps. Melatonin pills. Kiwi. Does any of this actually help? And what does it really mean to "measure sleep"?

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How have the drastic changes in our surroundings and lifestyle over the past 100 years affected our sleep, and what does that mean for our health?

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During this event, which was part of the Research Days 2024, researchers from the Trondheim Sleep Group at St. Olavs Hospital and NTNU held a panel discussion to answer and challenge some of these questions.

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The panelists were:

Knut Langsrud, psychiatrist

Cecilie Vestergaard, physician

Hanne Siri Heglum, civil engineer

Liv Marie Rønhovde was the moderator for the event.