How does using phones before bedtime affect blood pressure?

Amid the widespread use of social media and electronic devices, a recent study conducted at "Hengshui People's Hospital" and published in BMC Public Health revealed a strong link between screen time before sleep, especially watching short videos or reels, and an increased risk of high blood pressure in young adults.

The study analyzed data from 4318 participants aged 18 to 59 and found that screen time before sleep significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure.

The research showed that individuals who watch short videos for less than an hour before sleep have a 3.46 times higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who do not use screens during this period.

Those who spend more than four hours watching short videos before sleep have a concerning 40.2 times higher risk of developing high blood pressure.

The lead researcher, Dr. Fengdi Li, explained that watching videos before sleep activates the sympathetic nervous system (which controls the "fight or flight" response), leading to increased blood pressure, and prolonged screen time exacerbates this effect.

The study also indicated that factors such as age, gender, and dietary habits also influence the prevalence of high blood pressure, while maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical activity play an important preventive role in reducing these risks.

The study warned of the increasing health risks associated with prolonged screen use before sleep and called for adopting healthier sleep habits, especially among young age groups who heavily use social media.