How Addiction to Reels Could Lead to High Blood Pressure

The constant scrolling through reels has turned into a guilty pleasure for millions, providing quick entertainment, viral trends, and binge-worthy content in small portions. While this habit may seem harmless, there is an overlooked danger – its impact on health.

A study by researchers at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China has found that excessive consumption of these addictive short videos, particularly late at night, can subtly raise the risk of high blood pressure in young and middle-aged people. Here’s how your nightly reel marathon might be causing more harm than you think.

The study

A study published in the BioMed Central (BMC) journal has revealed a concerning link between excessive reel-watching and an increased risk of high blood pressure and hypertension.

The research, conducted between January and September 2023, involved 4,318 young and middle-aged individuals in China who often watched reels before bed. Participants underwent medical check-ups, and the results emphasized the health risks tied to this habit.

“While traditional screen time encompasses the time spent watching television, playing video games and using computers, for example, people may watch television accompanied by a certain amount of physical activity, our study was based on screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime, which is more reflective of a sedentary nature,” the study explained.

According to a report from The Times of India citing the study, researchers found that scrolling through reels can lead to a cycle of mental stimulation and stress.

The fast-paced nature of reels keeps the brain in a heightened state of alertness, causing an increase in heart rate and adrenaline levels. This triggers the body’s stress response, sending it into a “fight-or-flight” mode, which, when prolonged, contributes to high blood pressure.

Disturbingly, previous studies have shown that just one to two hours of screen time before bed can significantly raise the risk of developing hypertension. These findings gained widespread attention after Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy shared them on social media.

“Apart from being a major distraction and waste of time, reel addiction is also associated with high blood pressure in young and middle-aged people. Time to uninstall,” he wrote on X, encouraging people to reconsider their scrolling habits.

Apart from being a major distraction and waste of time, reel addiction is also associated with high #BloodPressure in young and middle-aged people. Time to #UnInsta!! #DoomScrolling #MedTwitter pic.twitter.com/Kuahr4CZlB

— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) January 11, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that an alarming 1.3 billion adults aged 30 to 79 globally suffer from high blood pressure. This condition is a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes and is a leading cause of premature death.

Watching reels might impact your sleep

A report from The Times of India highlights one of the major drawbacks of watching reels late at night: the disruption of sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens is known to interfere with melatonin production, making it more difficult for the body to relax and prepare for sleep.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, melatonin is a natural hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and maintain the body’s circadian rhythm.

Insufficient sleep, in turn, becomes a significant risk factor for hypertension. When the body doesn’t get enough rest, the cardiovascular system doesn’t have sufficient time to recover, increasing the likelihood of developing high blood pressure.

How to develop healthy screen habits?

The researchers stressed the need for “strict control of screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime.” They also advised managing body weight, blood lipids, blood glucose, and uric acid levels, along with improving unhealthy lifestyle habits such as consuming a high-sodium diet, to help reduce the risk of hypertension.

Along with these recommendations, here are a few simple tips to foster healthier screen habits:

• Set a screen usage cut-off time before bed.
• Consider using blue light filters or apps that adjust your screen’s brightness and warmth in the evening.
• Opt for alternative activities like reading or meditation to unwind before sleep.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.