Think screen time only affects your eyes? Think again. Prolonged screen use can have far-reaching effects on your overall health. From disrupted sleep to reduced productivity, the impact of excessive screen time is more significant than most people realise. Here are three surprising ways screen time can negatively affect your health, supported by scientific research.
1. Eye strain and headaches
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is one of the most common effects of excessive screen time. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.
Common symptoms:
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Dry, irritated eyes.
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Frequent headaches.
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Difficulty focusing.
Source: Journal of Optometry (2024)
Tip: Use blue light glasses and follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
2. Disrupted sleep patterns
Screen time, especially before bed, interferes with sleep by exposing your eyes to blue light. Blue light suppresses melatonin, a hormone crucial for sleep.
Key points:
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Reduces total sleep duration.
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Leads to poor sleep quality and frequent waking.
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Disrupts the circadian rhythm. Read about how to optimise your sleep here.
Source: Harvard Medical School (2023)
Tip: Use blue light glasses in the evening to reduce exposure and support better sleep.
3. Reduced productivity in school or work
Excessive screen time can negatively impact focus, attention span, and overall productivity. Frequent distractions and digital multitasking reduce efficiency and impair cognitive performance.
Effects on productivity:
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Difficulty concentrating for long periods.
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Increased fatigue and mental exhaustion.
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Lower quality of work output.
Source: Stanford University (2024)
Tip: Schedule regular breaks and limit screen time during critical work or study hours.
Final thoughts
Screen time affects more than just your eyes. From sleep disruption to productivity loss, the impact is wide-reaching. By being mindful of screen usage and incorporating protective habits like using blue light glasses, you can minimise these risks and improve your overall well-being. Shop our glasses here.
