Communications regulator, Ofcom, has carried out research that shows, amongst other things, that adults in the UK are now spending more time using technology devices than they do sleeping.
Part of the research found that UK adults spend an average of eight hours and 41 minutes a day on media devices, compared with the average night’s sleep of eight hours and 21 minutes.
Indeed, this crossover was also illustrated by consumer research carried out by the British Chiropractic Association earlier this year, which found that 49% of people used their laptops in bed and 54% carried on making calls and texting from their mobiles when they would normally be heading off to sleep.
Tim Hutchful from the BCA comments: “The drive is to use more and more technology in order to maximise the benefits it can bring and, for some of us, these sorts of devices and tools are completely indispensable. However, it is important that we recognise the potential impact on our bodies and learn to lessen the impact on pressure points with some simple steps”
The BCA
The BCA has some advice for when you use your tech, to help lessen the impact on your body.
- Try out new gadgets before you buy them to make sure they’re comfortable to use and spend time setting them up in a way that works well for you.
- The head is a heavy weight and sitting with it forward of your body puts unnecessary strain on your neck and back so always sit with your head directly over your body.
- If using your mobile, smartphone, laptop or tablet, take the time to break position on a regular basis and stretch your arms, shrug your shoulders and move your fingers around as this helps to keep the muscles more relaxed.
- It is easy to get engrossed in what you are doing and forget how long you have been using your tech device in bed. If you are still planning to surf/text/play on your devices in bed, set an alarm to remind you to pack it away and get some much needed sleep!
The BCA has also devised a simple three minute exercise routine, called ‘Straighten Up UK’. This can be incorporated into our daily lives to help strengthen the spine and improve posture.
The exercise routine and other practical advice to help avoid back problems and improve posture is available at http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/For-You-5-Straighten-Up-UK-0-ms.aspx
For individual advice please feel free to contact our Chiropractors at Uttoxeter Chiropractic Clinic.