How Technology Influences Your Health — And What You Can Do About It
- Dr Michael Elliott MSc, D.C., CFMP.
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
In today’s world, technology is woven into nearly every aspect of our lives. From smartphones in our pockets to Wi-Fi in our homes and workplaces, it provides enormous convenience. But many people are unaware of the subtle health effects that come with constant exposure to technology.
Evaluating your environment for technological influences is a critical step in optimizing your health and reducing the “hidden stresses” that can contribute to fatigue, poor sleep, and even hormonal imbalances.
Common Technological Influences on Health
1. Blue Light Exposure
Where it comes from: Phones, tablets, computers, LED lights.
Why it matters: Blue light, especially in the evening, suppresses melatonin — the hormone that helps us fall asleep. This can disrupt circadian rhythm and leave you feeling tired during the day.
2. Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)
Where it comes from: Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, mobile phones, smart meters.
Why it matters: Research is ongoing, but many studies suggest EMFs can affect sleep quality, heart rate variability, and stress responses in sensitive individuals.
3. Sedentary Technology Use
Where it comes from: Hours spent at desks, driving, or using entertainment screens.
Why it matters: Prolonged sitting can contribute to musculoskeletal strain, reduced metabolic health, and increased risk of chronic disease.
4. Noise Pollution
Where it comes from: Constant notifications, urban traffic, or background TV/radio.
Why it matters: Chronic noise exposure can keep your nervous system in a “stressed” state, raising cortisol and reducing your ability to fully relax.
5. Information Overload
Where it comes from: Endless emails, social media, and multitasking apps.
Why it matters: Cognitive overwhelm increases mental fatigue, distractibility, and stress hormones, impacting both productivity and wellbeing.
Simple Tips to Minimize Health Effects
Create tech-free zones: Keep bedrooms free of phones, TVs, and tablets to protect sleep.
Use blue-light filters: Install apps or use settings on devices in the evening; consider blue-light blocking glasses.
Take movement breaks: Every 30–60 minutes, stand up, stretch, or walk briefly to counteract sitting.
Limit EMF exposure: Switch Wi-Fi off at night, use wired headphones instead of Bluetooth, and avoid carrying your phone directly against your body.
Set boundaries: Use “Do Not Disturb” features, schedule email/social media check-ins, and carve out daily screen-free time.
Prioritize recovery: Support your nervous system with good sleep hygiene, relaxation practices, and time outdoors in natural light.
The Bottom Line
Technology is not the enemy — it’s an incredible tool. But like any tool, how you use it matters. By becoming aware of the subtle ways it influences your environment and taking simple steps to reduce unnecessary exposure, you can protect your sleep, energy, hormones, and long-term health.
Your environment is one of the determinants of health. Evaluating and adjusting technological influences is a smart, proactive way to ensure that technology works for you, not against you.
