DIGITAL LIFE

Internet Addiction Disorder: Do You Know What It Is?

"Complications such as dependence on internet use and impairments in sleep quality and quantity have been increasingly recognized and studied," warns Fernando Morgadinho, MD, associate professor of neurology at the Federal University of São Paulo and director of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology ABN). "The loss of sleep time is often due to the compulsive use of computers, tablets and smartphones. Nowadays we recognize the Internet Dependence Disorder and Electronic Addiction, which are psychiatric changes with increasing prevalence. The compulsive user may even have a deliberate sleep loss to maintain the addiction, "adds the specialist.The fault is on the screen.The electronic devices emit a lot of blue light, light spectrum that inhibits the release of melatonin, hormone responsible for the induction of sleep. "People who have a habit of spending time on their cell phones before bedtime, whether it's watching movies, accessing social networks or playing games, for example, are at great risk of worsening sleep," said Morgadinho. There is no consensus on a safe limit of hours for computer use. However, the doctor advises that some authors describe that use over two hours a day after school hours can impact teen sleep. "But the ideal or safe amount to use the computer will depend on several factors, such as the profession of each person, for example. Thus, the limit on the use of hours is difficult to establish, "says the expert.Use with moderation!Usually, according to Morgadinho, to avoid addiction to the Internet, it is advisable to avoid the use of electronic devices two hours before bedtime. Another alternative that decreases the risk for sleep impairment is the use of blue light filters on the screens or directly on the device.

Are You Safe From Internet Addiction Disorder?
It is important to recognize the warning signs that characterize the abuse and probably the reliance on electronic devices. Start thinking twice about your habits before bed if you fit into at least three of the following:
-Spends hours of sleep to stay at the computer;
-You always stay connected longer than you intended;
-Lost friends or receive complaints from family members about the time they spend on their cell phone or computer;
-Impairment in performance or productivity at work due to the Internet;
-It gets annoyed when someone messes up while you're online;
-It tries to reduce the amount of time spent on the internet and can not;
-You become depressed or nervous when you are not connected and it disappears when you are connected again.


Flávia Magalhães-Brazil