Expert Shares How Excessive Smartphone Usage Is Leading To Health Issues (Image Credits: iStock)
Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives and are profoundly influencing various aspects of our lives. While these devices offer unparalleled convenience and connectivity, mounting evidence suggests that excessive smartphone usage can significantly impact physical health. Prolonged periods of smartphone use often lead to sedentary behaviour, contributing to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal problems.
Further, the repetitive motions associated with texting and scrolling can cause strain injuries such as “text neck” and carpal tunnel syndrome. The blue light emitted by smartphone screens can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue. Moreover, excessive smartphone use has been linked to poor posture, eye strain, and headaches. As smartphones continue to permeate every aspect of modern life their excessive use can have significant impacts on our physical health.
Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals shares some ways in which smartphones can affect our physical well-being with Times Now.
1. Musculoskeletal issues: Prolonged use of smartphones, especially with improper posture, can lead to musculoskeletal problems. Neck pain, back pain, and hand or wrist pain are common issues associated with smartphone overuse. The constant tilting of the head and hunching over the device puts strain on the neck and back muscles, leading to discomfort and potential long-term issues.
2. Eye strain: Staring at the small screens of smartphones for extended periods can cause eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. The blue light emitted by these devices can disrupt sleep patterns and potentially contribute to eye problems like digital eye strain, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing.
3. Sleep disturbances: The use of smartphones, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by the screens can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles. Additionally, the constant flow of notifications and the temptation to engage with social media or other applications can lead to reduced sleep quality and duration.
4. Sedentary lifestyle: Smartphones contribute to a sedentary lifestyle by encouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. People often spend hours scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games on their devices, leading to a lack of physical activity. This sedentary behaviour can increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues related to a lack of exercise.
5. Addiction and mental health: Excessive smartphone use can lead to addictive behaviours and negatively impact mental health. The constant need to check notifications, social media updates, or engage with the device can lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased productivity. This addiction can also strain personal relationships and affect social interactions.
6. Radiation exposure: While the research is ongoing, some studies have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with the radio frequency (RF) radiation emitted by smartphones. Prolonged exposure to this radiation may have long-term implications, although the evidence is still inconclusive.
Dr Gupta adds, “To mitigate the potential negative impacts of smartphones on physical health, it is crucial to practice moderation and adopt healthy habits. This includes taking regular breaks, maintaining proper posture, limiting screen time, engaging in physical activity, and prioritizing quality sleep. Additionally, being mindful of smartphone use and setting boundaries can help strike a balance between the convenience of these devices and maintaining overall well-being.”
