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Digital Fatigue: Experts say that constant notifications, non-stop scrolling of social media, and switching from one app to another keeps the mind active all the time.

Smartphone's effect on the brain

What Is Text Neck Syndrome Symptoms: Till a few years ago, visiting a neurologist was considered to be associated with serious diseases like stroke, Parkinson's, epilepsy or dementia. Most of these patients were elderly and complaints like memory loss or difficulty in walking were common. But now this picture is changing rapidly. Nowadays, a large number of young people and teenagers are reaching neurologists with such symptoms, which are being linked to the habit of using smartphones for a long time. Problems like frequent headaches, lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, dizziness, feeling of fog in the mind, and forgetting small things are increasing rapidly.

Changed the way of working, studying and connecting with people

According to Dr. Deep Das, neurologist at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, mobile phones have changed the way we work, study, and connect with people. However, excessive and uncontrolled use can impact concentration, sleep, mood, and brain function. Experts say that constant notifications, endless social media scrolling, and switching from one app to another keep the brain active all the time. Gradually, the brain gets used to the constant stimulation, and it becomes difficult to concentrate on a single task for long. This is why many young people now start looking at their phones repeatedly even while reading a book, attending meetings, or studying.

Would these things have an impact?

According to doctors, smartphones not only impact attention, but also sleep and memory. Using your phone late into the night exposes your eyes to blue light, which reduces the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle. Lack of sleep can impact concentration and memory, and can also lead to increased anxiety, depression, and chronic headaches.

What are its symptoms?

Bending your neck for long periods of time while looking at your mobile phone also puts pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles. This can increase the risk of tension headaches and migraines. This condition is known as "text neck." Furthermore, constant screen time can lead to digital fatigue, which can make a person feel mentally tired, irritable, and disinterested in work. Many people also experience difficulty understanding and remembering new information after prolonged screen time.

Doctors say children and adolescents may be more vulnerable because their brains are not yet fully developed. Excessive screen time can affect their studies, sleep, physical activity, and social behavior.

What are the ways to prevent this?

Experts also clarify that the problem isn't smartphones, but rather their misuse. They recommend following the 20-20-20 rule. This means looking at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Additionally, take regular breaks from screens, stop using your phone at least an hour before bedtime, sit properly, exercise regularly, and spend some time outdoors every day.