Humans rely greatly on technologically sophisticated equipment such as telephones, tablets, computers, and laptops. Even though it delivers many benefits, using a device for an extended period of time might result in a number of negative effects, including headaches.

The Relationship between Screen Time and Headache

Spending extended periods of time in front of a computer or mobile phone screen can cause headaches for many people. A headache is a throbbing, dull, intense, or persistent pain in the head that can make it difficult to go through daily tasks. The longer you spend in front of a screen, or screen time, the higher your risk of getting a headache.

Migraine, or a headache that mainly affects one side of the head, is the most common headache that results from using gadgets. Severe migraine pain can leave a person extremely weak; therefore, many people cope by sleeping in a dark room until the migraine subsides.

Several factors can contribute to device-related headaches, including:

• Overusing the device
• Use of electronics in areas with poor lighting
• The distance between the eyes and the screen is too close
• Poor posture while facing the screen causes shoulder and neck muscles to become stiffer

Read more: High Screen Time Can Trigger Speech Delay In Children

Symptoms of Headaches Due to High Screen Time

Headaches caused by excessive screen time have the same symptoms as other types of headaches or migraines. Headache symptoms that could come up include:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Numbness or tingling
• Dizzy
• Nauseous
• Sensitive to light and sound
• Vision problems, such as seeing lines or flashing lights
• Headache behind the eyes or in the center of the head
• Blurred vision
• Eyestrain
• Shoulders and neck feel stiff
• Dry eyes

Read more: Tense Eye Marks As A Result Of Too Long Looking At Gadget Screens

Tips for Reducing Screen Time-Related Headaches

Improving screen-related habits can help lower the incidence of headaches. You can do this in the following ways:

• Adjust the lighting in the room and on the device so that it is adequate and does not cause your eyes to weary quickly
• Follow the 20-20-20 recommendations, which is to take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds
• Make sure your monitor is at least 20–25 inches (about 50–65 cm) from your eyes
• Improve your sitting posture at work. Position the display at eye and neck level to avoid bending over
• Put on a screen protector. If you frequently find your computer screen to be too bright, consider using a screen protector to reduce brightness and eye strain.

Management of Screen-Related Headaches

You should consult a doctor if you frequently get headaches from spending too much time in front of a computer. In accordance with patient complaints and medical conditions, doctors may prescribe medicine for headaches. Among the therapies that doctors may suggest are:

• Prescribing pain relievers or headache medications
• Sports such as yoga and tai chi
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness practice
• Reducing foods and drinks that trigger headaches (high in caffeine and alcohol)

Screen time headaches are usually a minor issue that resolves itself as you rest your eyes and take a break from the screen. However, if the headache lasts longer than three days and is accompanied by other symptoms such as body weakness, difficulty moving muscles, difficulty speaking or recalling, feeling drowsy and confused easily, seizures, and a high body temperature, you should see a doctor immediately.

If spending too much time in front of a screen causes you headaches, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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