The Association Between Smartphone Use and Headache / Migraine in Young Adults: Current Evidence, Biological Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives

Dr. Tanuja Kabir, Nitesh Prasad Sah

Abstract: Smartphones have become indispensable in modern society, particularly among young adults, where they play a central role in education, communication, entertainment, and professional activities. Although these devices have improved access to information and digital connectivity, the substantial increase in daily screen time has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on neurological health. Among the reported health consequences, headache and migraine have emerged as common complaints associated with prolonged smartphone use. This review critically examines the current evidence on the relationship between smartphone screen time and headache disorders in young adults. Recent observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses suggest that extended smartphone use is associated with an increased frequency and severity of headaches, particularly migraine. Several biological and behavioural mechanisms have been proposed, including digital eye strain, reduced blink rate, prolonged accommodation, blue light exposure, cervical musculoskeletal strain, sleep disruption, psychological stress, and altered pain modulation. While these mechanisms provide biologically plausible explanations, the available evidence remains largely observational, and causal inferences are limited by methodological heterogeneity and the presence of multiple confounding factors. Current findings support the promotion of healthy digital habits, ergonomic smartphone use, adequate sleep hygiene, and regular screen breaks as practical strategies to reduce headache burden among young adults. Nevertheless, large prospective cohort studies and randomized interventional trials incorporating objective measures of smartphone use are required to clarify the long-term neurological effects of excessive screen exposure. Improved understanding of these associations will help clinicians provide evidence-based recommendations and guide future public health policies addressing digital health. Objective: This review aims to critically evaluate current evidence regarding the association between smartphone screen exposure and headache or migraine among young adults, while discussing possible biological mechanisms and future research directions. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 evaluating smartphone use, screen exposure, headache, or migraine among young adults were reviewed. Relevant observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were considered. Result: Available evidence indicates that prolonged smartphone use, particularly exceeding four to six hours daily, is associated with increased headache frequency and migraine symptoms. Proposed mechanisms include digital eye strain, sleep disruption, cervical musculoskeletal stress, psychological factors, and altered pain sensitivity. However, most available studies are observational, limiting causal interpretation. Conclusion: Excessive smartphone screen exposure may represent a modifiable behavioural risk factor for headache and migraine among young adults. Future longitudinal and interventional studies using objective smartphone usage measurements are required to establish causal relationships.

Keywords: Smartphone, Screen Time, Migraine, Headache, Young Adults, Digital Eye Strain, Blue Light, Sleep Disturbance, Digital Health

How to Cite?: Dr. Tanuja Kabir, Nitesh Prasad Sah, "The Association Between Smartphone Use and Headache / Migraine in Young Adults: Current Evidence, Biological Mechanisms, and Future Perspectives", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 46-52, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26827143924, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26827143924

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