As we spend more time staring at screens, a growing health issue is going unnoticed: digital pollution. This phenomenon, caused by prolonged exposure to electronic gadgets before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns, hormone regulation, and even increase the risk of cancer.
Digital pollution affects melatonin production, a hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle and protects us from certain types of cancer. However, screen time and blue light emission have been shown to suppress melatonin levels, leading to poor sleep quality and circadian rhythm disruption.
The consequences are alarming: digital overload triggers chronic stress, which can lead to hormonal imbalance and an elevated risk for various maladies, including cancer. The World Health Organization now considers night-shift work a probable carcinogen due to its impact on circadian rhythms and melatonin levels.
Certain groups are at higher risk: individuals with nighttime screen habits, adolescents, young adults, shift workers, those with hormonal disorders or family history of cancer. These lifestyle factors can contribute to hormone-sensitive cancers.
Fortunately, digital pollution can be cleared with simple changes:
* Avoid screens for 1-2 hours before bedtime
* Use night mode or blue light filtering on devices after dark
* Establish a steady sleep schedule and digital curfew (no phones in the bedroom)
* Spend time under natural light during the day to reset your internal clock
By addressing digital pollution, we can prevent cancer and promote overall well-being. It’s time to recognize the invisible risk of digital pollution and take action to protect our health.
Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/is-screen-time-harming-your-health-the-alarming-link-between-digital-pollution-and-cancer-risk