From Screens to Serenity: Evaluating the Effect of Digital Detox on Mental and Physiological Health

Background: Excessive screen time has been linked to increased stress, anxiety, cognitive fatigue, and physiological dysregulation. Prolonged digital engagement raises biochemical stress markers, including cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which can harm mental and physical health. This study evaluates the impact of a 2-week digital detox intervention on psychological well-being, biochemical stress markers, and autonomic function in medical students. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at two medical colleges in Pakistan. Participants (n=240) were randomized into three groups: digital detox with alternative activities, screen-time reduction only, and a control group with no intervention. Compliance was monitored via app-based tracking and daily logs. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included biochemical markers (cortisol, catecholamines, CRP, IL-6, MDA, CAT, SOD), physiological parameters (heart rate variability, blood pressure, pulse rate), and psychometric scores (Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Results: The digital detox with alternative activities group showed the most significant improvements. Cortisol decreased by 32% (p<0.001), CRP by 33% (p<0.001), and IL-6 by 38% (p<0.001). Perceived stress and anxiety significantly declined (p<0.001), while heart rate variability improved, and systolic blood pressure and pulse rate decreased (p<0.01). MDA levels moderately dropped (p<0.01), but SOD remained unchanged (p>0.05). The screen-time reduction group showed moderate improvements, while the control group had no significant changes. Conclusion: A 2-week digital detox, especially with alternative activities, significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and biochemical stress markers while improving autonomic regulation. These findings highlight the potential of structured digital detox interventions to enhance mental and physiological well-being in medical students.