What Happens to People Who Are on the Computer too Much?

Too much of a good thing is sometimes detrimental to the health, especially if it involves too much time on the computer. Excessive computer use results in vision problems, back and neck pain, overuse injuries of the hands and wrists, sleep disturbances, weight gain and Internet addiction.

Vision Problems

• The American Optometric Association says eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, focusing problems, light sensitivity, double vision and color distortion are all symptoms of computer vision syndrome, which is caused by a combination of individual vision problems and poor ergonomics at the office computer.

Back and Neck Pain

• A Finnish study published in the "European Journal of Public Health" blames the use of computer technology for an increase in neck, shoulder and lower back pain. The study of adolescents in the 1990s and early 2000s says daily computer use of more than two or three hours results in neck and shoulder pain, and use of more than five hours is the threshold for lower back pain.

Overuse Injuries

• Contrary to popular belief, carpal tunnel syndrome is not necessarily caused by too much time on the computer, reports an article in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Harvard researchers who conducted the study found "no statistically significant association with keyboard use" and the pain, numbness and tingling of carpal tunnel. Repetitive use of upper body limbs, however, results in painful muscles and tendons known as overuse injury, according to an article in Medscape Review. The article cites a literature review that found an association between tissue damage in the hands and arms, and increased use of a computer mouse. The article says that over time, however, the tissue adapts to the stress.

Sleep Problems

• A study published in the "Journal of Applied Physiology" says the brightness of a computer monitor throws off a person's biological clock by preventing the production of melatonin. A hormone, melatonin regulates sleep and wake patterns. With less melatonin, a person is more likely to have problems falling asleep at night. The study also found that a person's body temperature increases while sitting in front of a computer monitor, which also causes a loss of sleep.

Weight Gain

• It's no surprise that inactivity leads to weight gain, but a 2007 study in the "International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity" directly pinpoints computer use as one of the main causes of that inactivity. The study of 2- to 5-year-olds found that sitting in front of a computer or television monitor for more than two hours a day resulted in a higher risk of being overweight.

Internet Addiction

• Dr. Kimberly Young of the University of Pittsburgh documented pathological Internet use in those who overused computers. More commonly known as Internet addiction, this included cybersex addiction, cyber-relationship addiction, net compulsions and information overload. Symptoms of Internet addiction include losing track of time while on the computer, inability to complete tasks at home or work, isolation, guilt or defensiveness over Internet use, and feelings of euphoria while on the computer.