Excessive Screen Time at Bedtime Spikes Hypertension Risk in Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Study
New Delhi: Prolonged screen time and watching short videos or reels before bed doesn’t just rob you of sleep, it may significantly increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, according to new research.
A study conducted at Hengshui People’s Hospital and published in BMC Public Health has revealed a strong correlation between bedtime screen habits and essential hypertension among young and middle-aged individuals.
Researchers analysed data from 4,318 participants aged 18–59, uncovering alarming trends that connect modern screen-based lifestyles with escalating health risks.
The study found that even moderate screen exposure before sleep could elevate the likelihood of hypertension. For those watching short videos for less than an hour, the risk increased by 3.46 times compared to non-users.
Alarmingly, individuals who spent over four hours engaged in this activity faced a 40.2-fold higher risk. “Watching short videos before sleep can lead to sympathetic nervous system arousal, potentially elevating blood pressure. Prolonged sedentary behaviour during screen time exacerbates the risk,” explained Dr. Fengde Li, the lead author of the study.
In addition to screen time, the study identified other contributors to hypertension. High sodium intake, overweight or obesity, diabetes, and a family history of hypertension were found to significantly increase the risk.
According to co-author Dr. Shangyu Liu, “The prevalence of hypertension is also heavily influenced by factors such as age, sex, and dietary habits. For instance, a high-sodium diet can amplify the risk, while maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in sufficient physical activity can act as protective measures.”
To provide a practical solution, the researchers developed a nomogram-based predictive model that incorporates various lifestyle and genetic factors. The model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy, making it a valuable tool for early intervention.
Co-author Dr. Mingqi Zheng noted, “Our nomogram offers a practical tool for identifying high-risk individuals and implementing early interventions. It combines multiple predictors, including screen time, physical activity, and family history, to accurately forecast the likelihood of hypertension.”
The findings emphasize the need for public health measures to address screen time habits, dietary choices, and physical activity levels.
Dr. Gang Liu, who provided financial support for the study, highlighted the broader implications: “This research underscores the importance of integrating lifestyle modifications into hypertension prevention strategies. Addressing factors like excessive screen time and poor dietary habits can significantly reduce the disease burden in young and middle-aged populations.”
This study highlights the pressing health consequences of prolonged screen use and stresses the importance of adopting healthier bedtime routines to mitigate risks.
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.