Excessive screen time and sleep deprivation linked to major health risks

A large-scale analysis published in The Lancet, reviewing 121 studies and data from approximately 9 million young people, indicates that excessive screen time—exceeding two hours daily—is linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, and obesity. Researchers estimate that mental health issues related to digital device use could account for nearly 2.8 million lost healthy years globally, while obesity-related health losses are estimated at 240,000 years.

Experts suggest that high screen usage often displaces essential activities such as physical movement, sleep, and face-to-face social interactions. The study also notes that digital platforms often utilize features designed to maximize user engagement, prompting calls for greater transparency and international coordination regarding digital platform operations.

Separately, medical experts warn that chronic sleep deprivation significantly impacts cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep prevents the parasympathetic nervous system from managing digestion and energy conservation, potentially leading to hypertension, inflammation, and metabolic changes like insulin resistance. Sleep deficiency can also trigger a ‘fight or flight’ state, increasing stress hormones and heart rate, while disrupting hunger hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.