Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives these days and many people carry it everywhere, even to the toilets. From the time they wake up to the time they go to sleep, they are glued to their devices. However, excessive use of smartphones or addiction to the device could lead to several health issues.
The seemingly harmless habit of using smartphones in toilets can pose multiple health risks from haemorrhoids to bacterial contamination.
Earlier, a study by the United States’ apex health agency National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that 43 per cent of medical students used phones while in washrooms, while only 23 per cent of the users disinfected their phones regularly. Research also reveals that smartphones have significantly higher levels of bacteria compared to toilet seats.
A survey by MattressNextDay, a UK-based supplier of affordable mattresses and beds, found the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on most devices. This bacterium is similar to those present in cockroach droppings.
Let’s explore why one should avoid taking mobile phones to the restroom.
Risk of haemorrhoids
Prolonged sitting on the toilet, especially when using your phone, can increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. When a person sits on the toilet for a long time, the pressure on the veins increases in the anorectal area due to the way the body is positioned. Since the thighs are supported by the toilet seat while the central area, including the rectum, is left hanging slightly lower, gravity causes the tissues in that region to hang down. This can lead to consistent pressure on the veins, even without strain, and the increased pressure on the rectal veins can cause haemorrhoids or other venous problems in the rectal area.
Cross-contamination
Your phone can become a breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens. Using smartphones in the washroom doubles the chances of transferring these germs and pathogens to other surfaces in the bathroom, like the flush handle or door latch. This can lead to health complications like respiratory and skin infections. Thus, it is advisable to avoid taking mobile phones to the toilet or sanitise them to mitigate this risk.
Constipation
When you are sitting for prolonged time on the bathroom seat, the body may stop sending signals regarding impending bowel movements. Also known as peristalsis, the progressive contractions help pass stool through the intestine to the rectum. But when you sit longer than required time, it can hinder the process.
Impaired circulation
Sitting for prolonged time can impair blood circulation, particularly in the legs. This habit may contribute to the development of conditions such as exacerbate existing circulatory issues or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Moreover, the sedentary nature of toilet phone use, along with the possibility of prolonged sitting, might impair blood flow and pose a risk to vascular health.
Poor posture
Using your phone while sitting on the toilet seat can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal issues such as neck and back pain. This sustained posture strains the spine and surrounding muscles, which can result in discomfort and, over time, potentially lead to chronic issues.
Eye Strain
The blue light from your phone’s screen can cause eye strain, especially when used for long periods. When you use phones in dimly lit bathrooms, this effect may exacerbate extensively. Moreover, the habit of using phones on the toilet seat during the night-time may contribute to sleep disturbances and overall impaired sleep quality.
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