What is Screen Apnea?

A doodle showing a person sitting at a desk, hunched over a laptop, thinking, “What am I forgetting?” A motivational poster on the wall behind them says “DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE,” surrounded by fluffy clouds. Illustration by Martine Ellis.

Have you ever noticed yourself holding your breath while using a screen? It’s more common than you might think. There’s even a name for it: screen apnea. I've also seen it referred to as email apnea.

This subtle habit often goes unnoticed, but it can increase feelings of stress and fatigue.

Taking small, regular pauses during the day helps. Just stepping away for a few minutes or taking a slow, intentional breath can make a difference. These simple habits support wellbeing and sustainable productivity.

It's not just big screens that are an issue. Our phones have the same effect, particularly when used right before bed.

This is something I’ve been paying more attention to lately. Maybe it’s something to reflect on in your own routine.

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One Small Tip for Managing a Meeting-Heavy Workload