Digital stress: a new type of stress

Digital stress: a new type of stress

by | Jul 15, 2025 | Stress Management & Sleep Disorders

By Marc Dellière, Medical Consultant & Trainer – Specialist in Stress, Prevention & Integrative Health

 

Digital social networks are no longer just a tool: they influence mental health across all age groups. As healthcare professionals, are we ready to support a generation of patients whose stress no longer stems solely from the real world, but also from the virtual, invisible, omnipresent world?

 

What science (and clinical practice) shows us

As healthcare providers, we are seeing the emergence of a new type of stress that is less visible and more diffuse: digital stress. Over the years, numerous studies have documented the close links between social media use, psychological distress, and impaired well-being.

Storme’s review (2021) provides a clear overview: digital networks are neither toxic nor neutral. Their impact depends on psychological profile, mode of use (passive or active), context, and degree of emotional regulation. Some people find connection there; others find isolation.

In recent years, research has focused on a phenomenon that is increasingly present in our consultations: the impact of digital social media on stress, anxiety, and depression.

  • Among young women with problematic social media use, acute stress reinforces the compulsive urge to connect, with rapid and difficult-to-control emotional reactions.
  • Among students confined during the pandemic, intensive use of more than 3 hours per day is correlated with increased levels of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress).
  • Among young working people, problematic social media use, as measured by a high score on the BSMAS scale, is strongly linked to anxiety and depression, with women being particularly vulnerable.

Conversely, among older adults, it is real-life social networks, when they are close-knit, balanced, and emotionally supportive, that play a protective role against perceived stress.

It is the quality of relationships, perceived support, and trust, rather than the number of contacts, that mitigate the effects of stress. Stable, reliable, and positive human networks are key determinants of mental health. 

 

When connections become mental burdens– What if our patients were no longer connecting to bond with others, but to temporarily relieve themselves of a discomfort they were unwittingly feeding?

  • The student isolated during lockdown, the executive addicted to Instagram between meetings, the senior citizen cut off from loved ones but hyperconnected to impersonal threads: each person experiences a fragmented emotional experience, oscillating between connection and tension, immediacy and exhaustion.
  • Compulsive scrolling, social comparison, and FOMO (fear of missing out) are no longer side effects: they have become the psychological daily life of millions of individuals. And for some, the digital connection has become an invisible chain.
  • In consultation, these ailments take on familiar faces: sleep disorders, constant tension, psychological exhaustion, anxiety disorders, and decreased motivation.

 

How can we integrate this data into our practice?

 Here are some concrete ideas:

  • Students • Effect: use >3 hours/day → depression, anxiety
    • Intervention: screen time education, support groups 
  • Young working adults • Effect: addiction → high stress (much more so in women)
    • Intervention: assessment of relationship with social media, emotional regulation, digital hygiene
  • Young women with problematic use • Effect: stress = trigger for compulsive use
    • Intervention: mindfulness, self-hypnosis, early detection
  • Older adults • Effect: balanced real-life social networks = protective factor
    • Intervention: maintaining close ties, community support

 

Moving from awareness to clinical action:

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Non-seasonal depression (adjunct or alternative therapy)
  • Delayed sleep phase, chronic insomnia
  • Fatigue from night shifts or rotating schedules
  • Certain cognitive or psychiatric disorders (under ongoing evaluation)

 

Daylight and light therapy — to be prescribed generously

✔ Assess digital stress as a new vulnerability factor.

✔ Adapt our care based on age, usage profile, and quality of relationships.

✔ Offer healthy alternatives:

  • Real and lasting social relationships
  • Offline activities (creative, sporting, group activities)
  • Digital self-regulation (mindfulness, self-hypnosis, supervised digital detox)

 

Ultimately, it may be a question of helping everyone regain their relational sovereignty. To put human connection back at the heart of mental balance. And to break those invisible chains that turn connection into tension, presence into dependence, and sociality into loneliness.

 

Scientific sources :

Social media and mental health in 2021. https://hal.science/hal-03911484/document

Digital social networks: sources of depression, anxiety, and jealousy?

Jahagirdar V, Sequeira LA, Kinattingal N, Roohi TF, Alshehri S, Shakeel F, Mehdi S. Assessment of the impact of social media addiction on psychosocial behaviour like depression, stress, and anxiety in working professionals. BMC Psychol. 2024 Jun 15;12(1):352. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-01850-2. 

Kessling A, Müller A, Wolf OT, Merz CJ, Brand M, Wegmann E. Effects of acute psychosocial stress on cue-reactivity, attentional bias and implicit associations in women with problematic social network use: An experimental study. Addiction. 2025 Jun 13. doi: 10.1111/add.70099. 

Ellwardt L, Wittek RPM, Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. Social Network Characteristics and Their Associations With Stress in Older Adults: Closure and Balance in a Population-Based Sample. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2020 Aug 13;75(7):1573-1584. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbz035. 

What about the lack of light and the effect on stress, sleep and fatigue?

What about the lack of light and the effect on stress, sleep and fatigue?

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Stress Management & Sleep Disorders

By Marc Dellière, Medical Consultant & Trainer – Specialist in Stress, Prevention & Integrative Health

 

As anxiety, chronic stress, and depression continue to rise, natural light and light therapy are emerging as simple, powerful — yet underused — therapeutic tools.

Healthcare professionals working long shifts and rarely seeing daylight offer a striking example.

A recent Chinese study involving 787 operating room nurses, all with minimal exposure to natural light, revealed alarming findings:

➤ They experienced high levels of psychological distress, directly correlated with low sun exposure.

Additional aggravating factors — such as irregular sleep or chronic health conditions — worsened the picture.

➤ These results clearly show how light deprivation, combined with professional stressors, can contribute to anxiety, depression… and even burnout.

 

Why is light so essential?

Chronobiology and neurobiology research confirms that natural light is fundamental for regulating our circadian rhythms. When light exposure is too low — especially for night workers or those in enclosed settings — it disrupts the sleep-wake cycle and increases the risk of mood disorders.

Here’s why:

  • Disruption of the body’s internal clock impairs day/night regulation and cognitive function.
  • Mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin (well-being, appetite) and dopamine (motivation, alertness) follow daily and seasonal rhythms — and light is essential to maintain their balance.
  • Genetic variations (e.g., DRD4, or melanopsin genes) may influence an individual’s sensitivity to light therapy.

 

What is Bright Light Therapy (BLT)?

BLT (Bright Light Therapy) uses artificial white light (typically 5,000–10,000 lux) to mimic daylight and restore healthy biological rhythms.

It helps:

  • Reset the circadian clock
  • Stimulate serotonin and dopamine
  • Regulate melatonin and improve sleep

 

Evidence-based indications include:

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Non-seasonal depression (adjunct or alternative therapy)
  • Delayed sleep phase, chronic insomnia
  • Fatigue from night shifts or rotating schedules
  • Certain cognitive or psychiatric disorders (under ongoing evaluation)

 

Daylight and light therapy — to be prescribed generously

Light is not just a comfort — it’s a powerful modulator of our brain, immune system, mood, and motivation.

To maximize benefits, light therapy must be tailored: intensity, timing, duration, and patient profile all matter. Genetics, lifestyle, and working environment can all influence the response.

For shift workers, sun-deprived caregivers, or patients with depression, restoring light hygiene — daily daylight exposure, therapeutic lamps, workplace design — may become as vital as nutrition or physical activity.

In the end, acknowledging the power of light means expanding our toolkit for mental health and sustainable well-being.

 

What’s your experience with light therapy? Have you recommended it? Tried it yourself? Let’s share insights.

 

Scientific sources :

Association Between Sunlight Exposure and Mental Health: Evidence from a Special Population Without Sunlight in Work Jie Wang, Zhen Wei, Nan Yao, Caifeng Li, Long Sun Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2023; 16: 1049–1057. Published online 2023 Jun 14. doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S420018

The Contribution of Environmental Science to Mental Health Research: A Scoping Review Michaela Roberts, Kathryn Colley, Margaret Currie, Antonia Eastwood, Kuang-Heng Li, Lisa M. Avery, Lindsay C. Beevers, Isobel Braithwaite, Martin Dallimer, Zoe G. Davies, Helen L. Fisher, Christopher J. Gidlow, Anjum Memon, Ian S. Mudway, Larissa A. Naylor, Stefan Reis, Pete Smith, Stephen A. Stansfeld, Stephanie Wilkie, Katherine N. Irvine Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Apr; 20(7): 5278. Published online 2023 Mar 27. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20075278

Shankar A, Williams CT. The darkness and the light: diurnal rodent models for seasonal affective disorder. Dis Model Mech. 2021 Jan 26;14(1):dmm047217. doi: 10.1242/dmm.047217. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7859703/

Levitan RD. The chronobiology and neurobiology of winter seasonal affective disorder. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2007;9(3):315-24. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.3/rlevitan.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3202491/

Conseils et astuces contre la dépression saisonnière : nutrition et mode de vie https://www.le-guide-sante.org/actualites/medecine/depression-saisonniere-conseils-astuces-nutrition-sante

 

Stress: the invisible enemy of fertility?

Stress: the invisible enemy of fertility?

by | May 26, 2025 | Stress Management & Sleep Disorders

Fertility problems: what if Stress was the invisible enemy?

By Marc Dellière

Under stress, the brain perceives the environment as unsuitable for reproduction.

It then naturally slows down fertility-related processes, as a protective mechanism.

Added to this is a significant psychological impact: the difficulty of conceiving itself becomes a major source of anxiety… which reinforces the blockage.

Chronic stress activates the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, increasing cortisol, which inhibits the HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis, key to reproduction. This disrupts sexual hormone production, reducing fertility and impairing ovulation in women and spermatogenesis in men.

In periods of prolonged stress, the body also mobilizes more cholesterol to produce cortisol via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This biological priority mechanism can redirect resources away from the synthesis of other steroid hormones such as DHEA, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Fewer resources are therefore available for fertility, which can contribute to hormonal disorders, reduced libido and irregular cycles in women.

In women

It can lead to ovulation disorders, irregular cycles or even amenorrhea.

Studies have shown that stress can suppress the HPG axis, leading to ovulatory dysfunctions, reduced sexual steroidogenesis (synthesis of steroid hormones, i.e. those originating from cholesterol: gynecological hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and male hormones, testosterone) and reduced fertility in women of childbearing age.

In men

It can reduce sperm quality and quantity.

Psychological stress is associated with reduced sperm concentration, altered sperm morphology and reduced sperm motility. Oxidative stress, linked to an excess of free radicals, also alters gametes DNA, compromising their quality.

Chronic stress also alters sleep quality, disrupting the secretion of leptin (satiety hormone) and ghrelin (hunger hormone), thus contributing to caloric overconsumption. These metabolic disturbances may influence fertility, although the precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

“During our first IVF (in vitro fertilization) attempt, I was overwhelmed by anxiety. I felt like everything depended on this cycle. I controlled everything: the dates, the hormones, the results… But inside, I was in a panic. I couldn’t sleep because of the stress, I often cried for no reason and I took refuge in food. The result was negative. For the second attempt, I started hypnosis coaching to better manage my emotions. I felt calmer, more aligned… and this time, it worked. Today, I’m pregnant. I’m convinced that my psychological state has made a real difference.”

Sophie M., 35

As caregivers, we have a key role to play in breaking the vicious circle between stress and infertility.

Incorporating a holistic approach, focusing on body and mind, not only improves the chances of conception, but also reduces the psychological suffering of patients and those around them.

  • Psychological support
  • Stress management techniques (hypnosis, meditation, CBT)
  • Regular physical activity
  • Appropriate nutrition
  • Support for family and friends or discussion groups

Sources:

Rooney KL, Domar AD. The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2018 Mar;20(1):41-47. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/klrooney. 

Kim J, Whitcomb BW, Kwan B, Zava D, Sluss PM, Dietz A, Shliakhtsitsava K, Romero SAD, Natarajan L, Su HI. Psychosocial stress and ovarian function in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Hum Reprod. 2021 Jan 25;36(2):405-414. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deaa313. 

Aitken RJ. Impact of oxidative stress on male and female germ cells: implications for fertility. Reproduction. 2020 Apr;159(4):R189-R201. doi: 10.1530/REP-19-0452. 

Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Chagovets V, Kitsilovskaya N, Starodubtseva N, Frankevich V, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Immunoendocrine Markers of Stress in Seminal Plasma at IVF/ICSI Failure: a Preliminary Study. Reprod Sci. 2021 Jan;28(1):144-158. doi: 10.1007/s43032-020-00253-z.

Scollo A, Cotticelli A, Peric T, Perrucci A, Prandi A, Ferrari P. Hair Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA(S)) and Cortisol/DHEA(S) Ratio as Long-Lasting Biomarkers of Clinical Syndromes Exhibited by Piglets Early in Life. Animals (Basel). 2025 Apr 3;15(7):1032. doi: 10.3390/ani15071032.

Gleicher N, Seier K, Kushnir VA, Weghofer A, Wu YG, Wang Q, Albertini DF, Barad DH. Associations between peripheral androgens and cortisol in infertile women. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 Apr;158:82-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.01.004.

Chimote BN, Chimote NM. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Its Sulfate (DHEA-S) in Mammalian Reproduction: Known Roles and Novel Paradigms. Vitam Horm. 2018;108:223-250. doi: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.02.001.

Lactium®: A Natural Approach to Stress Eating and Weight Gain

Lactium®: A Natural Approach to Stress Eating and Weight Gain

by | Apr 25, 2024 | Stress Management & Sleep Disorders

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common, affecting many aspects of our lives, including our mental well-being and physical health. Chronic stress not only takes a toll on our emotional state but also contributes to unhealthy eating habits, such as overeating or reaching for comfort foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Over time, this can lead to significant weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

The link between stress and weight gain is not just coincidental; it is deeply rooted in our body’s physiological response to stressors. When we experience stress, our adrenal glands release cortisol, a hormone that plays a crucial role in the “fight or flight” response. While this mechanism is essential for dealing with short-term challenges, chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels, which can have detrimental effects on our health and waistline.

Lactium®: A Natural Solution for Stress and Weight Management

Lactium® is a unique, naturally-derived ingredient that has been specifically designed to help individuals manage stress and its associated effects on weight gain. Developed by Ingredia, a global leader in dairy ingredients, Lactium® is a bioactive peptide complex derived from casein, a milk protein, through a gentle enzymatic process.

How Lactium® Works

Lactium® is a carefully crafted ingredient that targets the complex relationship between stress, anxiety, and weight gain. Lactium is a milk protein hydrolysate containing a decapeptide named alpha casozepine. This peptide has relaxing properties and acts on GABAa receptor. Thanks to this action, we have a chain reaction and a decrease in cortisol.

By reducing cortisol levels, Lactium® helps to minimize the physiological impact of stress on the body. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in stress-induced overeating, as well as a decrease in the storage of fat in the abdominal area.

The dual action of Lactium® on both the psychological and physiological aspects of stress is what sets it apart as a comprehensive solution for stress-related weight management concerns.

By targeting the root cause of the issue, rather than simply addressing symptoms, Lactium® provides a more holistic approach to breaking the cycle of stress, emotional eating, and weight gain.

Ingredia’s expertise in the field of bioactive peptides and milk protein derivatives has allowed them to develop Lactium® through a proprietary process that ensures the optimal concentration and ratio of alpha casozepine. This attention to detail and commitment to science-backed formulations is what enables Lactium® to deliver consistent, reliable results for individuals seeking a natural way to manage stress and maintain a healthy weight.

Benefits of Lactium®

Lactium® offers a wide range of benefits for individuals looking to manage stress, improve their overall well-being, and support healthy weight management. Some of the key benefits of Lactium® include:

    1. Reduced stress and anxiety: By targeting the brain’s stress response system, Lactium® helps to promote feelings of relaxation and calmness. This can lead to a significant reduction in perceived stress levels, allowing individuals to better cope with daily challenges and maintain a more positive outlook on life. The calming effects of Lactium® can also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms, providing much-needed relief for those who struggle with chronic stress and anxiety.
    2. Improved sleep quality: Stress and anxiety are common culprits behind sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, Lactium® can help to improve overall sleep quality. This can lead to more restful, restorative sleep, which is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health, as well as supporting healthy weight management.
    3. Enhanced mood and mental well-being: Chronic stress and anxiety can take a significant toll on mental well-being, contributing to feelings of irritability, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. By helping to alleviate stress and promote a more balanced emotional state, Lactium® can support better overall mental well-being. This can lead to improved focus, productivity, and a greater sense of resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
    4. Reduced stress-induced overeating and cravings: One of the most significant benefits of Lactium® for weight management is its ability to reduce stress-induced overeating and cravings. When we experience stress, our bodies often crave high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods as a way to cope with the emotional distress. By modulating the stress response and reducing cortisol levels, Lactium® can help to curb these cravings and reduce the likelihood of emotional eating. This can make it easier for individuals to stick to a healthy, balanced diet and avoid the excess calorie intake that contributes to weight gain.
    5. Better digestion and gut health: Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health, contributing to symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and irregularity. By reducing stress levels and promoting a more relaxed state, Lactium® can help to support better digestion and overall gut health. This can lead to improved nutrient absorption, reduced digestive discomfort, and a greater sense of overall well-being.
    6. Cardiovascular health support: Chronic stress and anxiety can also take a toll on cardiovascular health, contributing to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and other risk factors for heart disease. By helping to manage stress levels and reduce the physiological impact of stress on the body, Lactium® may offer some support for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

    The wide-ranging benefits of Lactium® demonstrate its potential as a comprehensive solution for individuals looking to manage stress, improve their overall well-being, and support healthy weight management. By targeting the root cause of stress-related health concerns, Lactium® offers a natural, science-backed approach to achieving a more balanced, resilient, and healthy life.

    Ingredia’s Commitment to Quality and Science

    Ingredia, the company behind Lactium®, is dedicated to delivering high-quality, science-backed ingredients that promote health and well-being. With years of research and development focused on harnessing the potential of bioactive peptides from milk proteins, Ingredia ensures that Lactium® is manufactured to the highest standards of purity, potency, and safety.

    In a world where stress and anxiety have become increasingly prevalent, it is essential to find natural, effective solutions to help break the cycle of stress-induced eating and weight gain. Lactium®, a groundbreaking ingredient developed by Ingredia, offers a comprehensive approach to stress management and weight control by targeting both the psychological and physiological aspects of the stress response.

    By incorporating Lactium® into a balanced lifestyle that includes healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and stress-reducing practices, individuals can take a proactive step towards reclaiming their well-being and achieving sustainable weight management. With its science-backed benefits and Ingredia’s commitment to quality, Lactium® is a natural choice for those looking to break free from the burdens of stress and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life.

    Consumer Study: 8 consumers in 10 satisfied with Lactium®!

    Consumer Study: 8 consumers in 10 satisfied with Lactium®!

    by | Mar 4, 2022 | Other News, Stress Management & Sleep Disorders

    After conducting 9 clinical studies on more than 500 people, we wanted to address the primary goal of all our customers, consumer satisfaction.

    Last year:
    – We have recruited 300 people worldwide in three regions: the United States, France and China.
    – We applied rigorous methodologies using validated questionnaires and partnered with BioMerieux for well-known expertise in this area.
    – These 300 people were asked to try Lactium® at 300 mg/day for 30 days, either as a sign of stress or as a sign of sleep disorders.

    We are proud to announce that we are getting results and that our overall satisfaction score is 78%. It is fairly evenly categorized as follows:

    • 78% in the stress indication
    • and 77% in the sleep disturbance indication.

    Contact us for more information on this study and how to use it!