World Stroke Day!

Digital Addiction: A Compelling Risk Factor for Stroke...

Dr.Rajsrinivas Parthasarathy, Head stroke and senior consultant Neurointerventional Surgery, Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon. Talks about an upsurge in stroke cases. 

A sudden upsurge in screen addiction was recorded soon after the lockdown was imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The pandemic has pushed us into a situation where most working adults and children are required to stick to their screens for prolonged hours, either for work or academics. Excess screen time has wreaked havoc on our mental and physical health leaving us with back and neck pain, extra weight, eye strain, anxiety, and at risk of several lifestyle diseases. This is no less than an epidemic as the youth has now become addicted to these gadgets more than ever.

Every fourth person is said to suffer from stroke once in their lifetime but the younger population is now more susceptible to stroke due to the increased screen. 

Earlier, stroke was mostly seen in elderly people but now the younger population is more susceptible to this. A recent study has shown a downward trend where the cases of stroke are mostly seen in youth aged 25 to 45 years. 

According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), one in four persons will suffer from a stroke attack in their lifetime. But a pertinent question that has transposed the notion of stroke risk is that instead of the geriatric population being highly vulnerable, the younger population is now equally seen susceptible to a stroke attack. A 2021 study published in the Stroke Journal of the American Stroke Association stated that adults under 60 with increased screen time exposure and sedentary lifestyles, are more prone to a stroke than those physically active.

Addiction of Gadgets and Increased Screen Time are Dangerous

Over a period of time, a person develops screen addiction which is nearly the same as addiction of recreational substances. It might not affect internal health but it has serious implications on overall health and quality of life. When a person is enjoying doing something, the brain releases dopamine chemicals that would refrain from shifting the focus to anything else. Youth who are pleasantly involved with screens often fail to have food on time, spend time with family, go out for a walk, socialize, etc. This is no less than dangerous due to the increased levels of dopamine in the body.

More Screen Time – Higher the Stroke Risk

According to a recent study, the digital screen time has been found to be inversely proportional with the life expectancy. As per the study, for every hour of digital screen time, the life expectancy reduced by up to 22 minutes. The amount of screen time also had adverse outcomes including heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. Beyond 2 hours, every hour spent in front of the digital screen raises the risk of stroke by 20%, a major contributing factor for stroke risk among the younger population. 

A large scale study concluded that the stroke risk was significantly higher when screen time was more than 2 hours a day. Higher physical activity (1 hour walk a day for seven days a week) offered some protection against the adverse effects of prolonged screen time. In fact the cancer risk also increased with an increase in screen time.

One develops an addiction to the screen over a period of time and can be looked upon similar to addiction to recreational substances. There is a constant balance in the brain between the center for rationalization (decision making) and the centers for motivation and rewards. Over time, the center for motivation and reward has an upper hand over the center for rationalization at which point addiction behavior develops. A certain chemical substance called dopamine increases in the brain when an activity results in a pleasurable experience. With time a person addicted to screen would no longer perceive his/her favorite food, family and vacation time as a pleasurable experience anymore. This is because the threshold for dopamine levels that results in a rewarding experience increases.

Measures to Negate the Effects

• The blue light emitted from digital devices is catastrophic for the eyes. Especially if someone uses them in a dark room and almost daily. Avoid blue light emitting devices when you go to bed. This reduces the amount of melatonin, a chemical substance that switches the brain from the wake to the sleep state.

• Doctors have found that one needs to engage in physical activities to reduce the health risks that screen addiction can bring including obesity, diabetes, stroke, heart ailments, etc.

• For every 20 minutes spent on screen, one must do 5 minutes of physical activity. It could be anything from jogging to brisk walking to rope skipping. 

• Decrease screen time for kids as their brain is underdeveloped and this habit may harm them. Also, adults shouldn’t be exposed to screens for more than 2 hours a day.

• Reducing screen time by taking frequent breaks from work, exercising regularly and adopting a more active lifestyle can help cut the risk of stroke significantly.

Why is Digital Detox Important?

Disconnecting from the online world can help to reduce stress and enjoy more real-life connections or experiences. A digital detox can improve physical and mental health, increase attention span, develop problem-solving skills, and even boost creativity. It’s also an important way to reduce stress.

By considering the above recommendations, the risk of stroke in youth can be minimized. Digital detox is, therefore, a must. It helps in reconnecting with oneself and family to restore health. It also allows the person to get rid of the risks associated with screen time.