Working from home is both a boon and a bane. For someone committed to achieving work-life balance, the comfort of working remotely feels like a luxury. But that same comfort often leads to casual work habits, like lounging on the bed with your laptop resting on your stomach or your lap. While it might seem harmless, some experts believe this habit can pose certain health risks.

So, should you be using your laptop on your stomach? Let's understand the same from an expert.

According to , using a laptop on your stomach can not only cause discomfort and strain but can also lead to potential long-term damage to your posture, muscles, and spinal alignment.

He emphasises that poor ergonomics can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. "When using a laptop on your stomach, your neck is often bent forward, and your spine is curved, leading to poor posture and potential strain on your muscles and joints," he explains.

Over time, bad posture can lead to musculoskeletal issues like nerve injuries and chronic pain disorders, as noted in a study published in The Journal of Pakistan Medical Association.

While your laptop may be your bread and butter, it is still a tool that has the potential to heat up if you use it too often.

So, if you are accustomed to keeping your laptops on your stomach while working, prolonged exposure to its heat can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and potentially increase the risk of skin damage or burns.

While there are few concerns about laptops being a source of electromagnetic fields, there is limited evidence to confirm any harm so far.

 Dr Kumar suggests that there has been research that claims laptop heat can affect male fertility.

While not specific to keeping laptops on the stomach, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering reported that using laptops on the lap can negatively affect male fertility. The heat generated by the device can raise scrotal temperature and, when combined with other sources of heat like hot baths, may lower sperm quality. Additionally, researchers noted that laptops emit electromagnetic fields and Wi-Fi radiation, both of which could further impact reproductive health.

One study from 2005 found that even a one-hour laptop session significantly increased scrotal temperature.

However, Dr Kumar, who was not part of the study, also highlighted that most modern laptops have safeguards to prevent overheating.

Use a lap desk or tray to elevate your laptop, invest in an external keyboard and mouse, and position the screen at eye level, advises Dr Kumar.

He adds, “Take regular breaks to stretch and move around, and consider using a standing desk or ergonomic chair.”

Working from home often means choosing comfort over posture. But habits like using your laptop on your stomach might be doing more harm than you realise. From muscle strain and poor posture to heat exposure and potential fertility concerns in men, the risks can add up over time. However, small, simple changes can reduce potential health risks. A little care in how you work can go a long way in how you feel.