Soon you will be fresh and fruity behind your computer!
Let’s face it: we spend quite a bit of time in front of our computer screens these days, whether for work or pleasure. But do you know that feeling, when one day you find yourself feeling a little dizzy because of the computer screen ? And maybe also suffer from cybersickness, headaches and nausea?
This article was written especially for you: here you will find the causes and possible solutions to alleviate and even prevent this uncomfortable situation!
Let’s first discuss the difference between cybersickness and computer screen dizziness, and then dive deeper into the many tips that will help you overcome these discomforts. 💪
Key points summarized:
- Cybersickness is a form of motion sickness that can occur when using digital devices, such as computer screens, and can lead to dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
- The cause of computer screen dizziness is due to factors such as poor ergonomics, incorrect screen brightness, and prolonged exposure to blue light.
- To reduce dizziness due to screen use, it is important to pay attention to ergonomics, screen settings, regular breaks and possibly the use of blue light filtering glasses.
What is cybersickness and how do you recognize it?
Cybersickness is a form of motion sickness that occurs while using digital devices, such as computer screens.
It is similar to motion sickness, but in reverse: your body remains still, while everything moves on the screen. This can mess up your brain, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
The main symptoms of cybersickness are:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Tired eyes
Cybersickness can occur while using computers, smartphones, tablets and especially virtual reality (VR) headsets. Especially with prolonged screen use and viewing fast moving images, the chance of experiencing these symptoms is greater.️ 📱
Cybersickness versus dizziness through computer screen
I used to get nauseous whenever I sat at my computer. I also regularly suffer from motion sickness, so I thought I was suffering from cybersickness, but that turned out to be wrong. I suffered from dizziness because of my computer screen.
Although cybersickness and computer screen dizziness occasionally overlap , they are different phenomena. With cybersickness, the symptoms are usually more intense and more related to motion sickness.
Computer screen dizziness, on the other hand, is often caused by factors such as poor ergonomics, incorrect screen brightness or prolonged exposure to blue light.
It is important to recognize the specific symptoms , so that you have the opportunity to take more targeted action to reduce the complaints.
Common symptoms of dizziness from screen use
Prolonged screen use causes various symptoms associated with dizziness. Some common symptoms are:
- Tired eyes
- Headache
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Neck complaints
These symptoms are caused by a combination of factors, such as the brightness and contrast of your screen, the distance from the screen, the viewing angle, and the amount of blue light your eyes receive.
Headache and migraine through computer screen
Headaches and migraines are in some cases also caused by prolonged screen use. Factors that play a role in this include:
- Screen brightness too high or too low
- Wrong viewing angle
- Looking at the screen for too long without pausing
To prevent headaches and migraines, it is important to take regular breaks, adjust your screen brightness and use good ergonomics.️️
Nausea and neck complaints due to prolonged screen use
Nausea and neck complaints also occur with prolonged screen use. This can be due to bad posture, wrong viewing angle or staring at the screen for a long time without breaks.
Try these tips to ease nausea and neck pain:
- Ensure good ergonomics : adjust your chair, desk and screen well to your body.
- Take regular breaks : get up, walk around and stretch.
- Change your viewing angle : Make sure your screen is at eye level and tilt it if necessary.
With these adjustments you reduce the risk of nausea and neck complaints due to prolonged screen use.
Blurred and tired vision due to flickering screen
A flickering screen can lead to blurry and tired vision, adding to that annoying dizziness. This is because your eyes have to continuously focus on the rapidly changing image, which requires extra effort .
To deal with this problem, one option is to start by checking your screen’s refresh rate . A higher refresh rate means less flickering and a calmer image.
It can also help to increase the distance between your eyes and the screen, so that your eyes have less trouble focusing.
Reduce the causes of computer screen dizziness
The main causes of computer screen dizziness include flickering images, poor ergonomics, excessive screen time and incorrect screen settings.
To reduce or prevent these causes, try the following tips:
- Provide a well-lit workspace, but avoid reflections on your screen.
- Set your screen correctly in terms of brightness, contrast and refresh rate.
- Take regular breaks and limit your screen time.
- Pay attention to your posture and workplace ergonomics.
Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen
Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen usually helps reduce dizziness. Too bright light tires your eyes, while too low a contrast makes it more difficult to see text and images properly.
Optimal settings for brightness and contrast depend on your personal preference and ambient light. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
Have good posture and ergonomics
Good posture and ergonomics are crucial in preventing computer screen dizziness. Wrong postures quickly lead to neck and back problems, which in turn can contribute to dizziness.
To improve your posture and to design your workplace ergonomically, the following tips work:
- Place your screen at eye level and at a comfortable viewing distance .
- Make sure you have an adjustable office chair that supports your back well.
- Use a footrest if your feet cannot be flat on the floor.
Take regular breaks and limit screen time
Taking regular breaks and limiting your screen time often helps prevent dizziness. During a break, you give your eyes a moment to relax and recover from intensive screen use.
Ideally, take a short break of 1 to 2 minutes every 20 to 30 minutes . In addition, it is important to take longer breaks, for example a walk during your lunch break.
Try blue light filtering glasses
Blue light filtering glasses also help reduce computer screen dizziness. These glasses filter the blue light from your screen, so your eyes don’t tire as quickly.
When choosing the right blue light filtering glasses, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the lenses and the frame. In addition, it is an option to take prescription glasses with a blue light filter if you already wear glasses for distance or near.
Virtual reality and vertigo: a special case
Virtual reality leads to dizziness and other symptoms such as nausea and disorientation for some people. This is caused by the difference between what your eyes see in the VR environment and what your body feels in the real world.
VR sickness and dizziness from a computer screen have some similarities, such as how screen use affects your eyes and brain.
The main difference is that VR sickness is specifically related to the immersive experience of VR, while computer screen dizziness has a wider range of causes and symptoms.
VR sickness and its influence on your body
Virtual reality brings a whole new dimension to the experience of screen dizziness. VR sickness, a form of cybersickness, arises from the disconnection between your visual perception and your balance organ.
Basically, you see motion in the VR world, but your body doesn’t feel that motion. This can lead to nausea , dizziness , sweating and even vomiting. Not a pleasant experience, is it? 😵
Tips to avoid dizziness during VR use
To minimize VR sickness, here are some helpful tips:
- Start slowly: first opt for VR experiences with less movement and slowly build up to more intensive games or applications.
- Take breaks: Just like normal screen use, it’s important to take regular breaks. Listen to your body!
- Use a fan: A gentle breeze can help you maintain your sense of balance and reduce nausea.
- Adjust your VR equipment properly: make sure your headset is comfortable and the lenses are properly adjusted for your eyes.
And remember, if you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop using the VR experience right away. It is important to know and respect your limits.
When should you seek medical help?
While computer screen dizziness is often harmless, some cases indicate an underlying medical problem. It is important to know when to seek medical attention.
Persistent complaints despite changes in screen use
If your symptoms persist, even after adjusting your screen use and applying the tips in this article, it’s time to see a doctor. A medical evaluation may help identify any underlying conditions and initiate appropriate treatment.️
Other possible causes of dizziness and headaches
Other factors such as dehydration , low blood sugar , lack of sleep or even stress also cause dizziness and headaches in some cases. It is important to rule out these causes before seeking medical attention. A healthy lifestyle and sufficient rest usually do wonders for your well-being. 💤
To ease your search for the perfect screen, check out our guide on the best monitor for working from home and find out whether a gaming monitor is better for your eyes. For the gamers among us, discover the best gaming monitor and consider a 4K monitor for optimal image quality.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you have hopefully become a lot wiser about what cybersickness and computer screen dizziness are, and how to recognize and deal with these symptoms.
I’ve discussed several causes, as well as tips for adjusting your screen use, using better ergonomics, taking breaks, and even considering blue light-filtering glasses.
Remember, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is always wise to seek medical attention. And don’t forget to ease your search for the perfect display with our guides to the best monitor for home working and gaming. Stay healthy and comfortable behind your screen! Thank you for reading. 😄