5 neuro-backed reasons why you should stop using your phone in the toilet

Engaging with content on a phone can cause distraction and lead to prolonged or strained bowel movements.

New Delhi | February 8, 2025 02:30 PM IST

3 min read

Prolonged sitting can cause bowel problems (Source: Freepik)

Using your phone in the toilet has been frowned upon by medical professionals, but more importantly—and more often—by our own mothers. Here are five neurologist-backed reasons why you should listen to your mom and ditch this bad habit once and for all.

“Numerous studies in neuroscience suggest that the habitual use of smartphones in the restroom can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health,” said Dr Hema Krishna P, consultant, neurology and movement disorders, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. The doctor listed five of them:

Prolonged Sitting & Circulation: the act of engaging with a phone while in the toilet can lead to prolonged sitting, which is associated with various health issues, including poor circulation and increased risk of hemorrhoids.

Disrupted Bowel Movements: the distraction provided by a smartphone can disrupt the natural process of bowel movements, potentially leading to constipation or other gastrointestinal problems.

Using your phone in the bathroom can lead to psychological dependency (Source: Freepik)

Psychological Dependency: This behavior can also create a psychological dependency on digital stimulation, making it difficult for individuals to engage in moments of solitude or reflection without the crutch of their devices.

Hygiene Concerns: The bathroom is a breeding ground for bacteria, and handling a phone in this environment can lead to the transfer of harmful pathogens to the device, which is then brought into contact with the face and hands. This not only poses a risk to personal health but also undermines the cleanliness of the phone, which is often overlooked in regular cleaning routines.”

Fragmented Attention: The constant engagement with digital content during these moments can contribute to a fragmented attention span, making it challenging to focus on tasks outside of the restroom, thereby affecting overall productivity and mental clarity.

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Dr Krishnamohan Y, clinical director of Bariatric and GI surgery, CARE Hospitals, pointed out that using your phone on the toilet itself is not a direct cause of haemorrhoids. “However, it can indirectly contribute to it or exacerbate existing haemorrhoids due to prolonged sitting. Engaging with content on a phone can cause distraction and lead to prolonged or strained bowel movements,” he said. Straining during bowel movements is a known risk factor for haemorrhoids.

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