Screen Time & Health

We have a screen time problem.

According to IPA data from June 2025, adults in the UK now spend almost 7.5 hours a day on screens. That includes phones, laptops, tablets and TV. For many people, this now exceeds the time spent sleeping.

Excessive screen time in adults is associated with increased cardiovascular events, obesity and type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for physical activity. Recreational screen based sitting of more than 2 hours per day is linked to higher cardiovascular risk, and more than 4 hours per day is associated with increased mortality.

There are clear knock on effects too. Higher screen time is linked with poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration, particularly when screens are used in the evening. It also correlates with unhealthy dietary behaviours, higher stress levels, and worse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, low mood and fatigue.

The medical consensus is clear. Reducing leisure screen time and replacing it with more active or restorative behaviours is likely to benefit long term health.

Over to you:

Does anyone use an app or website blockers on their phone or laptop?

Any practical tools or techniques that have actually worked?

Has cutting down screen time made a noticeable difference to your health, sleep or wellbeing?

Discover evidence-based insights and practical guidance on navigating your health: www.doc-dialogue.com