In today’s digital age, it’s hard to imagine a time when we didn’t carry our phones everywhere, including the toilet. Whether we’re checking emails, scrolling through social media, or watching videos, it’s become a common habit for many people to engage with their phones while using the restroom. However, neurologists and medical professionals have been warning against this practice for quite some time, emphasizing the potential risks it poses to both our mental and physical health.
Dr. Hema Krishna P, a consultant specializing in neurology and movement disorders at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, sheds light on the reasons why we should stop using our phones in the toilet. Her insights are based on numerous studies in neuroscience that have linked the use of smartphones in the restroom to several health concerns. Here are five neurologist-backed reasons why it’s time to listen to the experts and break this habit for good.
Firstly, prolonged phone use can lead to distracted bowel movements. When you’re engaged with your phone, your attention shifts away from the task at hand. The brain’s focus on the phone screen interrupts the natural flow of the body’s processes, resulting in longer bathroom visits. This distraction can contribute to straining during bowel movements, which over time can lead to discomfort and complications such as hemorrhoids or constipation. The body’s natural cues for when to finish a bowel movement can be delayed or ignored, causing unnecessary strain on the body.
The second reason Dr. Krishna highlights is the potential for poor posture while using a phone in the toilet. People often sit in positions that aren’t ergonomically beneficial, such as slouching or leaning forward while looking at their phones. This poor posture can increase pressure on the lower back and pelvic muscles, leading to discomfort or even long-term issues like lower back pain. These posture-related issues can worsen if the habit of using the phone in the toilet continues over time, particularly since many people tend to spend a significant amount of time on their phones during these visits.
Thirdly, Dr. Krishna points out that using phones in the toilet can disrupt the brain’s relaxation process. The brain needs time to rest and recuperate, especially after a long day of work or activity. Engaging with stimulating content, such as checking emails or social media, activates the brain’s fight-or-flight response. This increases levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can interfere with the body’s ability to relax. The bathroom, a place meant for mental and physical relaxation, turns into another source of stress. This constant state of heightened alertness can take a toll on overall mental well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety or stress after each restroom visit.
Another significant issue is the exposure to blue light. Smartphones emit blue light, which has been shown to disrupt sleep patterns by interfering with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. When people use their phones in the toilet, especially at night, they are exposed to blue light right before bed. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and poor-quality rest, which ultimately impacts brain function, mood, and overall health. A disrupted sleep cycle can also make it harder to focus during the day, leading to increased fatigue and decreased productivity.
Finally, Dr. Krishna emphasizes the role of the gut-brain connection in bowel health. The gut and brain are closely linked, and poor digestion can directly affect mental health. When you engage in phone activities that require concentration or involve emotional content, such as checking social media posts, it can trigger a stress response. This can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, stomach discomfort, or even more severe conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over time, constant stress during restroom visits can disrupt the gut-brain connection, further exacerbating digestive problems.
Continuing with the conversation around the negative effects of using phones in the toilet, it’s also important to consider hygiene issues. The bathroom is a place where germs and bacteria thrive, and our phones are a common breeding ground for these microorganisms. Carrying your phone into the restroom means you’re potentially exposing it to harmful bacteria, which can easily transfer back to your hands and face. The constant handling of your phone in this environment can lead to contamination, which could increase the risk of skin infections, particularly on the face or other sensitive areas. If you’re using your phone during bathroom breaks, it’s crucial to wipe it down regularly with disinfectant wipes to avoid transferring germs.
Additionally, there’s an undeniable psychological aspect at play. The excessive use of smartphones during bathroom visits can reinforce the habit of constant connectivity. This constant engagement with your phone can create a cycle where it becomes difficult to detach, even for short moments. This cycle can contribute to an unhealthy relationship with technology, where the mind is always preoccupied with notifications, updates, and the need to remain available. Over time, this behavior can increase feelings of burnout and anxiety, as your mind struggles to switch off and relax, even during moments of personal solitude.
Lastly, if we examine the broader implications, we see that phone usage in the restroom also reflects broader trends in modern life. The inability to disconnect and the constant need for digital interaction may be indicative of a larger societal issue: the pressure to remain constantly connected and available. Many people find it difficult to take a break from their digital lives, even during the most private and personal moments. This constant engagement with technology can impede the ability to fully embrace mindfulness, which is essential for both mental and physical health. To remedy this, it’s important to recognize the value of moments when you’re not connected, allowing for true mental breaks and the opportunity to unwind.
Incorporating small changes, like leaving your phone outside the bathroom, can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Whether it’s improving posture, reducing stress, or fostering better hygiene practices, these minor adjustments can help establish a healthier balance between the digital world and your personal life. Taking the time to disconnect from your phone, even in small moments, can help reset your brain, reduce the negative impact of technology, and promote a greater sense of well-being. Ultimately, the bathroom should be a space for both mental and physical relaxation—a brief respite where you can recharge, uninterrupted by the distractions of the digital world.