Internet addiction weakens immunity
Spending too much time online (greater than 6 hours per day) may increase your chances of catching cold and flu by 30%.
A study by scientists from Swansea and Milan Universities indicates that this is because excessive internet usage damages the immune system.
It was known by previous research that those who spend excessive time on the internet experience greater sleep deprivation, indulge in unhealthy diets, exercise lesser and tend to smoke and drink more alcohol, all of these behaviors can harm the immune system and increase vulnerability to diseases.
Professor Phil Reed of Swansea University said, ‘we found that the impact of internet on people’s health was independent of a range of other factors like depression, sleep deprivation and loneliness, which are associated with high levels of internet use and also with poor health.’
The study suggested that those who are addicted to internet may suffer from higher levels of stress when they disconnect from it, and this cycle of stress and relief may lead to altered levels of cortisol in the body. (cortisol is a hormone that impacts immune function).
‘It may also be that those who spend a long time alone on the internet experience reduced immune function as a result of simply not having enough contact with others and their germs,’ said Professor Reed.
Written by: Dr. Ajay Sati.
