In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that modern technology is having a significant, and often negative, effect on our lives. The way in which we interact with technology on a daily basis is causing us to become increasingly sedentary and, surprisingly, to breathe less. This has been labeled “screen apnea” and is caused by being fixated on our device screens for long periods of time.
Screen apnea is a real phenomenon and is a consequence of how we interact with technology. As long as we are focusing our attention on a device, we almost forget to breath. In essence, the longer we stare at a screen, the less we remember to breathe. We do not make an effort to breathe at regular intervals and this can lead to serious health problems.
The link between technology and breathing has been established by researchers. A study conducted in 2016 revealed that students who spent more than two hours a day on their electronic devices had a 30 percent decrease in their average breathing rate. The researchers found that this decreased breathing rate resulted in poorer oxygen levels in the body. Lower oxygen levels can lead to a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, and even depression.
The impact of screen apnea can be especially acute in certain user groups. For example, people who play video games or who use social media for long periods of time are especially vulnerable. It is also particularly relevant among children, who frequently display symptoms of poor health associated with prolonged device use.
It is therefore important for us to become aware of this phenomenon and to take steps to reduce its impact. The simplest way of doing this is to take regular breaks from technology and to use more “analog” leisure activities such as reading a book or going for a walk. Regular exercise is another way in which we can alleviate the symptoms of screen apnea.
In conclusion, screen apnea is a real phenomenon that affects our health if we do not take steps to address it. By reducing our device use and engaging in regular physical activities, we can reduce the health risks associated with our technology dependency.
