DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and\/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nDr Sood also pointed out that notifications themselves are designed to constantly interrupt attention and create urgency. He explained, \u201cNotifications are designed to interrupt attention and signal that something needs a response. Research shows they can affect cognitive control and attention even without fully engaging with the phone.\u201d He further described how repeatedly checking the phone can reinforce anxiety loops, particularly the fear of missing out on something important overnight. According to him, \u201cMany people check their phones to reduce uncertainty about what happened overnight. That temporary relief can reinforce a cycle where anxiety leads to checking and checking briefly relieves anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another concern he highlighted was information overload. Dr Sood said, \u201cPhones compress messages, reminders, social media, work obligations, and news into one stream of input. Excessive information can overwhelm the brain\u2019s ability to prioritise and process effectively.\u201d He added that starting the day by reacting to external demands rather than personal priorities can shape attention and focus patterns for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n
To understand the impact better, we spoke with an expert.<\/p>\n
Why the period after waking up is considered an important transition phase for the brain and nervous system<\/p>\n
Dr Jagdish Chattnalli, senior minimal invasive brain and spine surgeon, Bengaluru<\/a> West Clinics, HCG Hospitals Bengaluru, tells indianexpress.com, \u201cThe first few minutes after waking represent a critical transition period during which the brain gradually shifts from a sleep-dominant state to full wakefulness. During this time, neural networks involved in attention, emotional regulation<\/a><\/strong>, and decision-making are reactivating and synchronising. Immediately exposing the brain to notifications, messages, news updates, or social media creates a sudden influx of sensory and cognitive information that it may not yet be optimally prepared to process. This abrupt stimulation can trigger heightened alertness and stress responses before the brain has completed its natural awakening process, potentially leading to feelings of mental overload early in the day.\u201d<\/p>\n Impact of a heightened stress response<\/p>\n When the sympathetic nervous system becomes activated soon after waking, Dr Chattnalli says that the body enters a state of heightened vigilance. While cortisol is a normal and necessary hormone that naturally rises in the morning, excessive stimulation from emotionally charged notifications, work-related messages, or alarming news can amplify this response.<\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n