Digital Lifestyle Physiology is the study and clinical understanding of how pervasive interaction with digital devices and the associated behavioral patterns impact the integrated functions of the human body, particularly the endocrine, metabolic, and neurological systems. This domain recognizes the unique physiological stressors introduced by screen-centric living, including chronic blue light exposure, perpetual connectivity, and sustained physical inactivity. Understanding this new physiological context is essential for mitigating its negative health consequences.
Origin
This is a contemporary clinical concept arising from the rapid and widespread adoption of digital technology in the 21st century, creating a novel set of environmental and behavioral factors impacting human health. It synthesizes principles from chronobiology, stress endocrinology, and metabolic science to define a new area of physiological adaptation and dysfunction that affects a majority of the population.
Mechanism
The physiological impact is multi-faceted, beginning with the suppression of nocturnal melatonin and disruption of the circadian rhythm due to evening blue light exposure, which dysregulates the diurnal secretion of cortisol and growth hormone. Prolonged sedentary posture compromises peripheral insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. The continuous cognitive load from information processing contributes to chronic, low-level activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to persistent allostatic load and a heightened state of physiological tension.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.