Digital detox: promoting mindful interaction and lifestyle choices for cardiovascular health

Dear Editor It is with curiosity and interest that I read the research publication entitled “Smartphone addiction, stress, and sleep deprivation: emerging as new risk factors for acute coronary syndrome in young people.”[1] As a student advocate for heart disease prevention through lifestyle modifications, I find it compelling how, in contrast to older adults who are more likely to face traditional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, younger individuals often experience prolonged screen time, increased stress, and sleep deprivation. Building upon these behavioral repercussions, yet another pathway through which prolonged smartphone use contributes to cardiovascular risk lies in the development of unhealthy eating habits—such as skipping breakfast, consuming more fast food, instant noodles, and sugary drinks, and eating fewer fruits and vegetables.[2] These behaviors often stem from digital multitasking during mealtimes, socializing, or entertainment, which can encourage mindless snacking and, consequently, increased caloric consumption. Technology seamlessly becomes a distraction to interoceptive awareness. This disruption then extends into the night, where it impairs sleep, a cornerstone of physiological homeostasis. Smartphone addiction is correlated with increased daytime sleepiness and insomnia, with a lack of physical activity further contributing to these sleep issues.[3] Unlike traditional media, smartphones possess a uniquely intrusive capacity to infiltrate liminal states, particularly the pre-sleep period. Due to their portability and use before bedtime, they have a greater impact on sleep quality than fixed screens, such as television or a desktop computer.[2] The psychological proximity of smartphones, often perceived as extensions of the self, leads to compulsive engagement that outlasts conscious control. This phenomenon both delays sleep onset and diminishes the depth and restorative quality of sleep cycles, placing the user in a constant state of neurophysiological compromise. In fact, excessive smartphone use is linked to emotional and cognitive challenges, such as impulsivity, low self-esteem, and social media addiction.[4] In response to these evolving risks, interventional strategies grounded in both physical and cognitive restoration have shown notable promise. Aerobic training and mindfulness therapy can significantly improve scores on the Smartphone Addiction Scale. By enhancing cardiovascular endurance and muscular fitness, aerobic exercise reduces addiction levels and boosts overall fitness.[5] Serving as a form of digital detoxification, these modalities reestablish autonomic balance, recalibrate stress-response systems, and restore attentional control, thereby countering both behavioral and physiological consequences of chronic digital engagement. As we advance in an increasingly digital world, the future of preventive cardiology is not about resisting technological progress, but about redefining how we interact with it. While the integration of smartphones into daily life is now inevitable, the focus must shift from passive acceptance to active participation in strategies to mitigate the risks they entail. This necessitates moving beyond merely reducing screen time to promoting a mindset that emphasizes balance, mindful interaction, and conscious lifestyle choices. By gaining a holistic understanding of how digital habits influence the heart, mind, and body, we can develop an approach to health that encompasses emotional, behavioral, and physiological well-being altogether. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.