Introduction
Today’s lifestyle is increasingly digital: between computers, tablets and smartphones, most people spend a considerable part of own time in front of an electronic screen. Unfortunately, not without consequences: among the adverse effects of the excessive use of technology there is also the electronic screen chronic fatigue syndrome.
Because excessive use of digital devices is dangerous
The human body is designed to move being outdoors, receiving stimuli from the world around him. Surely, it’s not made for spending most of the day sitting still, in front of the computer or phone screen. Unfortunately, however, it is what often happens today. As a result, it increases the risk of various ailments.
Excessive use of digital devices can cause various negative consequences, such as dry and burning eyes, headaches, neck pain, back pain, arm and wrist pain, carpal tunnel, water retention and, last but not least, fatigue syndrome chronic from electronic screen.
What is Electronic Screen Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Electronic Screen Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition characterized by simultaneous presence of multiple symptoms and disorders and unleashed, as the name suggests, by theexcessive use of screens of computers, tablets and mobile phones. According to prof. Ozalp Ekinci, of the Istanbul University of Health Sciences, is the disease of our age, directly linked to the excessive use that people make of the internet and social media.
Digital devices are increasingly fun, colorful and engaging to the point that several experts claim that a large number of people have developed a sort of addiction to them. Indeed, electronic screens they stimulate the brain center of addiction: scientific studies have shown that the center of addiction of children and adults who are addicted to technological devices and cannot do without them is altered, as happens when they take drugs.
It should not be forgotten that screens emit the so-called “blue light“, a type of light that causes negative effects on health: it strains the eyesight; it inhibits the secretion of melatonin which is a substance necessary for the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep-wake rhythms; it causes consequences in the brain.
The most common symptoms
Chronic fatigue for no reason
- Eye disorderssuch as dryness, burning and eyestrain
- Ease of distraction
- Poor concentration
- Loss of lucidity
- Heachache
- Neck pain
- Disconnection between the virtual world and the real world
- Irritability
- Tendency to isolate
- Nausea and vomit
- Insomnia
Those described above are the most common symptoms of electronic screen chronic fatigue syndrome in both children and adults.
The risks in children
Children represent a vulnerable category also with regard to electronic screen chronic fatigue syndrome and run much more risks than adults. The early use of digital devices in the first years of life can be associated with the emergence of speech and executive function problems.
Experts recommend do not let children use smartphones and tablets before the age of two. Between the ages of two and five they recommend exposure to a maximum of one hour a day, which can rise to two hours between the ages of five and eight. Obviously you need maximum control on the part of parents and great attention in choosing the content to offer them.
In any case, according to pediatricians it is fine do not allow children to use these devices during meals, before going to sleep and in public places for the purpose of keeping them calm and quiet.
Excessive use of electronic screens during childhood can also cause stress, anxiety, nervousness and insomnia.
The rules to respect
- Limit the use of mobile phones, smartphones and tablets to what is strictly necessary.
- While using these devices schedule regular breaks: for example, those who work at the computer should try to look away for a few minutes every hour or two, possibly moving, even on the spot.
- Avoid using electronic devices as hobbies: often, we surf the internet and stay on social networks just out of boredom or because we want to distract ourselves. Then look for other more sensible and beneficial ways to occupy your time: cooking, reading a book, talking to family and friends.
- Try to have one more active lifestyle: to reduce dependence on the internet it is also very useful to move more. Take advantage of every opportunity to be active, such as walking or cycling when possible, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.
- To play a sport: even practicing a sport can help reduce the time spent using mobile phones, smartphones and tablets and combat the symptoms of electronic screen chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Cultivate your own social life: Do what you can to have one more fulfilling and richer social lifein order to receive healthier and more appetizing stimuli, capable of breaking the mechanism of dependence on electronic devices.
Here yoga exercises for fatigue.
Source: www.my-personaltrainer.it
