It can be so easy to get sucked into using our phones too much. With all the things available at our fingertips, the temptation to pull it out when there’s a lull in the conversation or a break in the day can feel overwhelming.

Countless studies have shown, however, that too much phone usage can have highly negative effects on your health. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill offers further explanation.

How Does Too Much Screen Time Affect My Physical Health?

Recent studies have found that most adults in America spend at least 11 hours a day looking at a screen. This is simply too much screen time.

When we look at our phones or other screens an excessive amount, our vision, sleep and weight can suffer. Staring into a screen for extended periods of time can cause “computer vision syndrome,” which causes symptoms like strained eyes and headache. Studies also link heavy computer and mobile phone use to more sleep disturbances, which can, in turn, cause an increase in weight gain.

Other Negative Health Effects

• Susceptibility to chronic health conditions
• Loss of cognitive ability
• Decreased attention span
• Impaired social skills

How Does Too Much Screen Time Affect My Mental Health?

As you have read, too much screen time can have many negative impacts on your physical health. However, excessive screen use could have an even bigger impact on your mental health.

Dopamine, the “feel-good hormone,” is part of the brain’s pleasure and reward circuits. Too much screen time and interactions on social media turn on similar brain regions as those linked to cravings for drugs and gambling, which can cause a certain addiction to looking at screens. It’s important to monitor how much you are interacting with screens every day to stay mentally healthy.

A Few Ways to Monitor Phone and Screen Use

• Set timers for yourself.
• Keep your phone and TV out of your bedroom.
• Delete distracting apps off your phone when working.
• Keep yourself on a schedule.

Too much screen use can cause lots of mental and physical health problems! If you are experiencing adverse health effects due to your screen usage, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill today.