AIIMS Neurologist Warns Against Morning Phone Scrolling; Explains Its Impact on Mental Health

Morning Phone Scrolling Can Harm Productivity, Warns AIIMS Neurologist

Morning Phone Scrolling — In an age where smartphones have become an extension of our hands, starting the day by checking notifications, emails, and social media has become routine for many. But according to an expert from AIIMS Delhi, this seemingly harmless habit may be quietly harming your mental health, productivity, and sleep cycle.

Dr Priyanka Sehrawat, neurologist and general physician at AIIMS Delhi, shared an important message in her December 2 Instagram post, explaining the science behind morning screen exposure and how it disrupts the body’s natural rhythm.

How Morning Screen Time Disrupts Your Day

Dr Sehrawat stresses that the first few minutes after waking up are crucial for setting the tone of the entire day.

“When you wake up in the morning and immediately start looking at screens or your mobile, you’re absorbing so many random things,” she explains.

This information overload affects:

• Daily planning
• Work efficiency
• Mental clarity
• Ability to follow your to-do list

Instead of beginning the day with focus, the brain becomes cluttered with external stimuli, reducing overall productivity. As a result, tasks that should be completed smoothly throughout the day get delayed or mismanaged.

The Ripple Effect: Anxiety, Headaches, and Poor Sleep

The neurologist highlights that morning screen time triggers a chain reaction leading to stress by evening.

“By evening, what happens? Anxiety sets in. You get headaches. You suffer from sleep deprivation. And then, your night screen time still happens.”

Constant exposure to digital screens floods the brain with dopamine and fragmented information, creating mental fatigue. This, combined with late-night scrolling, disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, resulting in:

• Increased anxiety
• Frequent headaches
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Reduced cognitive performance

Read More : Green vs Red Apples: Which Is Healthier and More Nutritious

Breaking the Cycle of Excessive Screen Use

Dr Sehrawat warns that what many call “entertainment” during long screen hours comes at the cost of mental health.

“All this time, anxiety is building up, headaches are coming, yet you’re still looking at screens and calling it entertainment. Entertainment at the cost of what? Your health?”

Her solution is straightforward:

• Start the day screen-free

Use natural light, hydration, and light movement to wake up the brain.

• Create a structured routine

Set phone boundaries for the first 30–60 minutes after waking.

• Reduce evening and night screen exposure

Limit screen use at least 1–2 hours before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

• Replace screens with mindful activities

Reading, stretching, journaling, or stepping outside can help regulate mood and energy levels.

Read More : Pumpkin Pie vs Apple Pie: Which is Better for Blood Sugar Levels?

A Timely Reminder in a Screen-Dominated Era

With digital dependency on the rise, Dr Sehrawat’s message serves as a much-needed wake-up call. Establishing healthier screen habits can significantly improve productivity, emotional balance, and sleep — leading to better overall well-being.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.