May 19, 2017

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Are you addicted to your smartphone?

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(HealthDay)—As great as smartphones are, you can get too attached to the gadgets.

According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Behavioral Health, cell phone overuse can be just like any other kind of addiction. And here are two warning signs: your is interfering with your life, and you get when you try cutting back.

Ask yourself these questions to check on the health of your relationship with your phone.

If your smartphone use is in the , take steps to cut back. Try to set aside a few hours of no-phone time every day. Set goals and keep track of what you're doing without your phone, such as reading or being with your family.

Set aside time at the end of the day for relaxing activities like meditation or listening to music. Turn your phone off during these breaks. If thats too stressful, then turn off the alerts.

Above all, don't let your phone interfere with getting enough restful sleep. Stop using it at least an hour before you go to sleep—looking at gadget screens too close to bedtime can interfere with the body's natural process of winding down before bed in anticipation of shuteye. And be sure not to charge it in your bedroom if you charge it overnight so that it can't wake you if you get a message.

More information: The Cleveland Clinic has more tips on dealing with smartphone stress.

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