Cannabidiol in Digital Fatigue: Neuroadaptive Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives on Chronic Screen Exposure

Abstract

Introduction: Digital Era Fatigue (DEF) is a contemporary neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by cognitive weariness, affective instability, sleep disturbances, and physiological stress caused by continuous screen and social media use. There is increasing evidence linking DEF to neuroinflammatory activation, oxidative stress, and altered neurotransmission. The objective of this review, in particular, is to appraise the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a nonintoxicating phytocannabinoid and neuroadaptive modulator, for reducing the neurobehavioral, cognitive, and physiological consequences of chronic digital exposure.

Methods: The literature review was conducted based on peer-reviewed preclinical and clinical trials identified in databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Sources were dedicated to the pharmacological mechanisms of CBD, its neuroprotective effects, and its roles in anxiety, sleep, and cognitive regulation as they relate to the pathophysiology of DEF.

Results: CBD regulates several molecular pathways, including endocannabinoid tone, serotonin (5-HT1A) and dopamine receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and inhibits the neuroinflammatory response and oxidative cascade. These activities lead to anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and sleep-regulatory effects. Evidence from anxiety and sleep disorder trials indicates improvements in stress responses, mood balance, and cognitive resilience.

Conclusion: CBD has great potential as a neuroadaptive candidate to treat Digital Era Fatigue by restoring neural homeostasis and preventing neurobehavioral disturbances caused by stressors. Nonetheless, dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, drug-drug interactions, and ethical considerations necessitate caution in its use, particularly in healthy populations. Future research should include clinical trials using biomarkers and integrative approaches that combine CBD therapy with digital hygiene interventions to develop evidence-based therapeutic recommendations.

Keywords: Digital era fatigue; anxiety; cannabidiol (CBD); neuroadaptation; screen overexposure.; sleep disorders.