The silent impact of screens and stress on reproductive health
Working long hours, being less active and often using phones and computers at night is gradually affecting the fertility of both men and women. According to experts, a "regular" lifestyle causes the body to lose hormonal balance, disrupt sleep and reduce sperm and egg quality.
Prolonged stress increases the hormone cortisol and disrupts the reproductive hormone cycle, says Dr Puneet Rana Arora, assistant assistant manager at IVF Medicover (India). Exposure to blue light from electronic screens at night also reduces melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, thereby indirectly affecting the ability to conceive.
In addition, the habit of sitting for a long time without much exercise also causes many consequences. For men, placing a laptop on their thighs for a long time can increase the temperature of the scrotum, causing sperm to weaken. In women, lack of exercise leads to insulin resistance and ovulation disorders, Dr. Arora added.
5 simple lifestyle changes to make:
Set clear work boundaries: Don't work too late, take short breaks after each hour of work.
Apply the 20-20-20 rule: After 20 minutes of looking at the screen, look 6m away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night: Keep your bedroom dark, cool and avoid phones before bed.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day: Walking, yoga or cycling can help reduce stress and increase blood circulation.
Eat healthy: Add whole grains, lean proteins, green vegetables, reduce alcohol and fast food.
Reproductivity is a model of overall health. The better you take care of your body, the better you have the opportunity to become a parent, Dr. Arora emphasized.
