Become A Member

Background: Smartphones, social media and online gaming have transformed daily life. Problematic use, including gaming disorder now recognised in ICD-11, has been linked to poor sleep, anxiety, depression, attention problems and eye strain, particularly in young people. Prevention needs approaches that are practical, culturally acceptable and sustainable. Objective: To review the evidence on problematic digital technology use and its mental health correlates, and to propose a preventive framework based on Ayurvedic and Yogic principles. Methods: Narrative review of classical Ayurvedic concepts of sensory overuse, daily routine and mental hygiene, and of epidemiological, experimental and intervention studies on screen use, gaming disorder, sleep and wellbeing. Results: Ayurveda identifies the improper use of the senses (Asatmya Indriyartha Samyoga), including excessive (Atiyoga) and wrong (Mithyayoga) use, as one of the three root causes of disease, and lists faculties such as restraint (Dhriti) whose weakening leads to harmful habits. Modern studies estimate the global prevalence of gaming disorder at around 3%; heavy screen use is associated with shorter and poorer sleep, and evening light-emitting devices delay circadian timing. Associations between screen time and wellbeing in adolescents are consistent but generally small. Limiting social media use reduced loneliness and depression in an experimental study. Ayurvedic routines (Dinacharya, Ratricharya), sense discipline and Yogic practices (Pratyahara, Pranayama, meditation) map onto evidence-based strategies of sleep protection, stimulus control and mindfulness. Conclusion: Ayurveda and Yoga provide a coherent, culturally rooted framework for healthy digital habits. Its components should be developed into structured programmes and evaluated in controlled trials, especially in schools and colleges.

Keywords: digital addiction; gaming disorder; screen time; sleep; Asatmya Indriyartha Samyoga; Pratyahara; Dinacharya; adolescents