Context: A panel discussion, “Stress and Sleep: The Twin Burdens,” under the “Healthy India, Happy India” initiative by Naruvi Hospitals and The Hindu, highlighted how excessive mobile use disrupts sleep across all ages.
About Impact of Phone Usage on Sleep:
- Sleep Deprivation: Prolonged mobile phone usage delays bedtime, reducing the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep.
- Sleep Fragmentation: Notifications and screen glare disrupt sleep cycles, leading to poor sleep quality.
- Stress and Anxiety: Excessive screen time increases mental fatigue and fosters a constant “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO).
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Poor lifestyle habits linked to smartphone use, such as inactivity and obesity, worsen conditions like snoring and OSA.
- Child Development: Among children, disrupted sleep due to screen exposure impacts physical and mental growth.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
- General Studies (GS):
- GS I (Society): Social impacts like stress, anxiety, FOMO, and effects on child development.
- GS II (Governance): Role of policies and campaigns in promoting digital detox and mental health.
- GS III (Science & Tech): Screen time’s impact on sleep and tech-based solutions for better sleep hygiene.
- Ethics (GS IV):
- Balancing technology use with well-being and tech companies’ moral responsibility in curbing addiction.
- Essay Writing:
- Case studies for topics like “Technology and human well-being” or “Balancing progress with health.”
