The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Screen Time: How Your Phone and Computer Affect Your Health
Today, a significant portion of our daily lives is spent in front of electronic screens. Whether it's our smartphones, laptops, or tablets, these devices have become an integral part of our lives. However, the constant exposure to screens can have severe negative impacts on both our physical and mental health. This article will explore some of the health risks associated with excessive screen time, including how it affects our sleep, sensory organs, and nervous system.
Insomnia and Poor Sleep
The blue light emitted by electronic screens signals the brain to stay awake, making it challenging to wind down and fall asleep. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced at night, when we should naturally be preparing for sleep. Research suggests that prolonged exposure to screen time can disrupt natural sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and poor sleep quality. If you are experiencing persistent sleep issues, it might be beneficial to visit a sleep center for a sleep study.
Impact on Sensory Organs
Electronic gadgets, including mobile phones and laptops, are not just a convenience but can also have detrimental effects on our sensory organs. They tend to cause numbness, dullness, and lethargy, potentially leading to a disruption in the balance of Vata and Kapha dosha according to Ayurvedic principles. Both doshas are closely associated with the nervous and reproductive systems, and an imbalance can lead to lifestyle disorders.
Physical and Mental Health Hazards
It's not just the internal effects of screen use that are concerning. The physical position we often adopt while using these devices, such as hunching over a laptop or holding a phone with our thumbs at the same distance, can lead to a range of physical issues. For instance, persistent use can result in cramps in the thumbs and even vision problems that may require corrective lenses over time due to continuous focus on a single distance.
According to a study from RescueTime, a popular app for iOS and Android, users generally spend an average of three hours and fifteen minutes each day on their phones. The heaviest users can spend as much as four and a half hours. Furthermore, prolonged use, up to eight hours, can have a detrimental effect on not just the eyes but the entire body. Moreover, the constant exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by these devices, particularly when they are close to the head, can pose significant risks, some of which are yet to be fully understood.
Protection Against EMF Radiation
EMFs, often invisible and painless, can have severe and eventually lethal effects. They have been thoroughly researched and tested as weapons by many major powers. One of the most concerning areas is the impact on the head, which is where most people keep their smartphones. For example, as an electronics technician in the Air Force, I was constantly warned about the dangers of exposure to radar and EMW from planes. Testing these planes on the ground was particularly risky, and we had to set up cones around specific areas to protect ourselves from harmful radiation.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help from an audiologist who can provide solutions such as hearing aids that work with iPhones. While you may not need a full hearing exam, setting up the Bluetooth connection with the audiologist's assistance can help mitigate some of the risks associated with prolonged screen time and EMF exposure.
Understanding and acknowledging the potential dangers of excessive screen time is the first step towards making informed changes to our habits. By being mindful of how we use technology and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can minimize the risks and maintain a healthy balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks of modern electronic devices.