Screens and Your Body

Published on 5 April 2025 at 11:01

Are you on the phone or computer often? Are you wondering how this might be contributing to poor health? Let's look at the facts!

Excessive screen time may contribute to obesity, sleep disturbances, chronic neck and back issues, as well as increased rates of depression and anxiety, ultimately resulting in lower academic performance among children.

Here's a more detailed look at the effects of screens on your body:

Physical Health:

  • Eye Strain and Vision Problems:
    Prolonged screen use can cause eye strain, blurry vision, and dry eyes, especially if you don't blink enough. 
     
  • Sleep Disturbances:
    The illumination produced by electronic devices disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) and may hinder the ability to achieve restful sleep. To enhance sleep quality, it is advisable to keep screens out of the bedroom and refrain from using them for at least one hour prior to bedtime.
     
  • Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle:
    Excessive screen time can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, (ex. watching tv and playing video games) increasing the risk of obesity and related health problems. Additionally, such behaviors can adversely affect heart health, potentially resulting in a greater likelihood of developing diabetes, elevated blood pressure, or high cholesterol levels.
     
  • Musculoskeletal Issues:
    Excessive screen time may result in improper posture, which can lead to persistent pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. To mitigate this, it is advisable to take regular breaks from sitting to walk, stand, or stretch. Ensure that your chair offers sufficient lumbar support, and position your device at eye level to promote better ergonomics.
     
  • Skin:
    Blue light from screens may cause oxidative stress, leading to accelerated aging, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and collagen damage. 
     

Mental Health:

Excessive time spent in front of screens may have detrimental effects on your mental and emotional health. Experts indicate a potential link between increased screen time and depression, which may also correlate with a rise in suicidal tendencies and a diminished capacity to interpret emotions effectively.
 
  • Anxiety and Depression:
    Studies suggest a link between increased screen time and higher levels of anxiety and depression, particularly in young people. 
     
  • Social Isolation and Loneliness:
    Excessive screen time can limit opportunities for face-to-face interaction, potentially leading to social isolation and loneliness. 
     
  • Cognitive Impairment:
    Screen time can interfere with cognitive development, potentially reducing attention span, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. 
     
  • Stress:
     Screens increase stress on your central nervous system and increase the stress hormone, cortisol. 
 
  • Learning Difficulties
     Furthermore, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health revealed that children who utilized      electronic devices for over two hours daily performed worse on assessments of thinking and language skills. Moreover, those who engaged in more than seven hours of screen time exhibited a reduction in the thickness of the brain's cortex, an area associated with critical thinking and reasoning abilities.
 

Next Steps:

  • Limit Screen Time: Set daily limits for screen time, especially before bed. Children ought to restrict their screen time to between 1 and 2 hours daily. Similarly, adults should aim to minimize their screen usage during non-working hours.
     
  • Use parental controls. There are tools you can use to filter or block unwanted content. You can even set daily screen time limits that can lock your children out of apps after they have reached a set amount of time.

 

  • Engage in Physical Activity: Make time for regular exercise and outdoor activities. 
     
  • Take Breaks: Regularly take breaks from screens to rest your eyes and stretch. 
     
  • Use Blue Light Filters: Consider using blue light filters or glasses to reduce the impact of blue light on your eyes and sleep. 
     
  • Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate areas in your home as screen-free zones, such as the bedroom. 
     
  • Engage in other activities: Encourage other activities like reading, playing games, or spending time with friends and family. 

 

What constitutes the optimal amount of screen time? Although this may seem like a straightforward inquiry, the appropriate duration frequently varies based on the type of screen being used and the purpose behind its use. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children under 18 to 24 months should refrain from screen exposure. For children aged 2 and older, it is recommended to restrict screen time to 1 to 2 hours daily. Additionally, adults are encouraged to minimize their screen time during non-working hours.

 

Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing, do everything with moderation. If you'd like to dive deeper to adjust habits to live a life more abundantly, schedule a Natural Health Coaching session to discuss! 

For prayer or questions about God and the Bible, a free service, send me an email. Link below. -Sara

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

 

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