Mobile addiction and sleep disturbance

As per WHO addiction is a state of dependence that involves the repeated use of a specific substance or behaviour in order to obtain relief from discomfort or to stimulate a state of pleasure. (1) There are generally two types of addiction, namely, addiction towards substance and behaviour, like the addiction to the phone. 

Smartphone addiction resembles Internet addiction in numerous ways, thus sharing overlapping characteristics (2). Excessive and inappropriate use of the Internet has been found to diminish rapid eye movement (REM), slow-wave sleep as well as sleep efficiency. Also, bright light from computer or digital screens may inhibit melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep (3). Results of a study revealed a strong association of excessive smartphone usage with depression, anxiety and stress. Nevertheless, Lemola et al’s findings contradicted ours as they found no significant association between the ownership of smartphones and depressive symptoms (4). 

Due to the growing popularity of smart phones, the benefits of this technology can always be felt but one must beware of its addiction aspect which is having negative effects on the psychological well-being of teenagers (6).

References:

• WHO. Management of substance abuse: Dependence Syndrome. [Last updated on 2014 Mar 26; Last cited on 2014 Mar 26]. Available from: //www.who.int/ substance_abuse/ terminology/definition1/en.

• Kim H. Exercise rehabilitation for smartphone addiction. J Exerc Rehabil. 2013;9:500-5.

• Dworak M, Schierl T, Bruns T, Strüder HK. Impact of singular excessive computer game and television exposure on sleep patterns and memory performance of school-aged children. Pediatrics.2007;120(5):978-85.

• Lemola S, Perkinson-Gloor N, Brand S, Dewald-Kaufmann JF, Grob A. Adolescents’ electronic media use at night, sleep disturbance, and depressive symptoms in the smartphone age. J Youth Adol. 2014;1-14.
• Soni R, Upadhyay R, Jain M.Prevalence of smart phone addiction, sleep quality and associated behaviour problems in adolescents.Int J Res Med Sci 2017;5:515-9.