Health Update:

Loosen up those keypad moments

By Pepin

Since the cellular phone was invented, many people can’t get their hands off of it. They are very much captivated to the different services and the convenience that they are getting from this kind of technology. For instance, the Short Message Service (SMS) or more popularly known as text messaging or texting has become an undisputed habit. According to experts, a “passionate texter” can send an average of 3,500 text messages per month. This number is quite a kick in the teeth.

However, texting has not only become a necessity-cum-hobby, but an unsupportive lifestyle as well. Many people are spending more hours ticking their phone’s keypad than doing a more dynamic activity, such as studying, gardening, doing an exercise, or playing sports. As a result, they do are not only becoming dormant but they are also compromising their health.

The proof…

A recent study by Dr. Peter G. Polos of JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey showed that a late night texting hobby is a factor why many people suffer from insomnia and excessive movements during sleep. Moreover, this can also cause some cognitive and mood disorders, such as memory loss, hallucinations, and difficulty in speaking, when the person is awake during the day.

Although not directly mentioned in the study, it is also safe to conclude that people who are already suffering from insomnia can worsen their condition if they indulge too much on a “texting hobby”. Furthermore, missing pillow times can also lead to other unfavourable health conditions, such as hypertension, dramatic weight loss, nausea, tremors, and heart disease.

Solutions, solutions, solutions…

It is best to put a limit to late night texting habits and to give time for the mind and body to recuperate from the day’s stress. Remember that it’s not easy to suffer from insomnia and from the grave effects of sleep deprivation – So, better text-in “Until next time” to text mates than end up losing good health.