Health professionals are raising concerns about a widespread morning ritual that may be silently damaging mental wellbeing across India. Dr Sood, a practising physician, warns that checking smartphones immediately after waking disrupts the brain's natural transition from sleep to wakefulness.
When individuals scroll through notifications, messages, or social media within minutes of opening their eyes, the brain experiences a sudden surge of cortisol—the body's primary stress hormone. This premature activation sets a heightened stress baseline that persists throughout the day, affecting concentration, mood regulation, and decision-making abilities.
"The first hour after waking should allow your mind to ease into the day naturally," Dr Sood explains. "Instead, we're bombarding it with information, demands, and stimuli that trigger our fight-or-flight response." This pattern is particularly concerning in urban centres like Patna and other Bihar cities, where smartphone penetration has increased dramatically in recent years.
Medical experts recommend alternative morning routines: drinking water, light stretching, or simply sitting quietly for five to ten minutes before engaging with digital devices. These practices help maintain stable cortisol levels and promote better mental health. As Bihar continues its digital transformation, awareness about healthy technology habits becomes increasingly crucial for public wellbeing.