iPhones will get 'night mode' to improve sleep

The new iOS 9.3 will dim blue light from iPhone and iPad screens at night

By Madhumita Murgia 12 January 2016 • 11:01am

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus review — iPhones like the 6s and 6s Plus will have a special night mode to reduce blue light Credit: Photo: Geoff Pugh | The Daily Telegraph

Apple's new iOS 9.3 beta includes a "Night Shift" feature - this means the screens on your iPhone or iPad will automatically change from blue to yellow light, when it is night time.

Apple said: "Night Shift uses your iOS device’s clock and geolocation to determine when it’s sunset in your location. Then it automatically shifts the colours in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier on your eyes."

According to scientific studies, technology companies are making bigger, brighter, bluer screens in an effort to increase the efficiency of our screens during daytime, but this light is affecting our sleep and productivity.

Blue light causes maximum disruption to sleep, as it most effectively suppresses melatonin, a hormone that reminds us to sleep every night. The light also increases alertness.

In fact, using our devices before bedtime could affect our performance during the day, because exposure to this blue light changes our body's natural rhythms.

The beta includes several new updates, including a password or TouchID protection for your Notes, and an upgraded CarPlay, with targeted Apple Music recommendations and a "Nearby" feature in Maps to search places on your route.

We are increasingly using our electronic devices at bedtime, which disrupts sleep

Currently, the Night Shift is only available to developers who have downloaded the iOS 9.3 beta, so we will have to wait a while before the software update shows up to the public.

There is no wide release date yet.

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