According to the 2025 Digital Barometer, around 67% of French social media users spend more than five hours a day looking at screens. This extended time in front of digital devices is linked to a range of physical health problems, such as pain, dry eyes, and disrupted sleep. Researchers note that the body often sends warning signals long before people decide to cut back on screen time. Muscle and joint issues are among the earliest signs of overuse. A 2025 study found a strong link between excessive smartphone use and an increased risk of cervicalgia, or neck pain, which can become chronic if ignored. The hands and wrists are also affected. Repeated actions like typing, scrolling, and dragging on screens can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis. A British study found that about 5% of people may develop a larger thumb on one side due to smartphone use, particularly among younger individuals. Dry eyes are another common issue. A study published in the journal Frontiers found that 74.2% of people who use screens intensively show signs of clinical dry eye. The blue light from screens, especially in dark rooms, can strain the eyes, causing symptoms like burning, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Researchers observed that these symptoms worsen quickly after prolonged smartphone use, especially in people with reduced Meibomian gland function and visible eye redness. Excessive screen time can also disrupt sleep. The National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance advises turning off screens at least three hours before bedtime, as blue light interferes with melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can create a cycle where tired individuals use their phones for stimulation, delaying sleep even further. The 2025 study suggests that small changes can help reduce these issues. These include setting daily phone limits, taking regular breaks, and following the "20-20-20" rule—looking away from the screen every 20 minutes and focusing on something 6 meters away for 20 seconds. Removing phones from the bedroom and using silent mode can also improve sleep. While these physical symptoms can be reversed if addressed early, many people do not take these recommendations seriously.