A few days ago I found an article on Yahoo! tech saying that a so-called "geeky" lifestyle can affect your health. I don't think it's a shock to anyone that sitting in front of a computer for 8+ hours a day can't really be good for you, but it was nice (or not nice?) to see some of these ideas in writing... on a computer screen, ironically enough.As someone who works on the web all day long, I've definitely started to notice certain strains on my body and brain after staring too long at the screen. Besides the obvious carpal tunnel syndrome, the article says that sitting at a computer too long can also effect sleeping habits and attention span. Here's a snippit:
"Insomnia and altered sleep patterns are common problems that could worsen when people wake up in the middle of the night and turn their laptop or TV on on a regular basis. As the problems occurs more frequently, patients become worried, which in turn causes them to sleep less.As I type this while laying on my bed, the flat screen television monitor just inches away, I can't help but realize that ok, maybe it's not the most desirable set up. It works for me though. I know that the biggest sleep no-no that you can make is to do non-sleep-related activities (computer, eating) on your bed, but when you live in a tiny New York City apartment there's not much else you can do. I wish I could break the habit.
You've probably heard doctors say "beds are for sleep and sex only" before, and guess what? They're absolutely right. Leave the electronics outside the bedroom, and if you have trouble sleeping at night try reading a book or listening to music until you fall asleep."
The article goes on to explain how too much computer/desk time can lead to headaches and back pain, and also offers some interesting info on attention span.
"Those with poor attention span may not always have ADD problems. Here's what the doctor says about this problem, "I believe this relative perception of poor attention span is actually caused by two factors. The first is genetic. The brains of some people are just programmed to multi-task. These people likely excel in a computer-rich environment for this reason. I believe the second factor is a simple training issue."*runs away to look at something shiny* Oh, hey... sorry. I totally agree with the ADD statement! I know that I find it very hard to focus on one thing at a time, but that might also be because I have a big computer, blackberry, 3-line phone and a TELEVISION at my desk at work. Overstimulated much?
Basically the article says that the most important thing you can do is keep your work and rest time separate, and take frequent trips away from your desk to move around and regain some vision. Maybe that's why so many people smoke... so they can leave several times a day and take a smoke break. Hmm... lung cancer vs. vision and a straight spine... tough call.
I think it's difficult to pull away from the computer use, especially if you use a computer all day at work (and seriously, who doesn't nowadays?) My old computer (rest its motherboard) died last week. I was sans computer for under 48 hours and felt completely isolated from the world. Around 8pm I wanted to know the next day's temperature and was forced to wait until the 10 o'clock news to find out. I mean, what is this? The 90s?!
How do you feel? Does your computer have you whipped? Do you feel anxious when you can't check your email when you want? Feel left out if you haven't read your favorite blog in a while? Speaking of which...
Read the full article here