Constant access to a phone can increase a person’s stress levels.
One Korean studyTrusted Source suggested there may be a two-way link between persistent smartphone use and anxiety. The authors called for measures to prevent people from developing a smartphone addiction, due to its effect on mental health.
Tips for managing smartphone use include:
- leaving the phone outside the bedroom at night
- setting aside time to avoid phone use, for example, not checking the phone until 9.00 a.m.
- setting targets to spend time on other activities, such as exercise
- reduce the number of notifications received
StudiesTrusted Source show that anxiety can prevent people from having enough sleep and that a lack of sleep can also make anxiety symptoms worse. Scientists say there may be a link between anxiety and sleep problems in terms of brain activity.
Here are some tipsTrusted Source for improving sleep:
- Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and of a comfortable temperature.
- Establish a regular routine for going to bed and waking up, including on weekends.
- Establish a relaxing sleep routine, for example, having a warm bath and listening to some music.
- Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bedtime.
If lifestyle remedies do not help a person sleep, a doctor can suggest other therapies.