Many people view the toilet as a quick stop to relieve themselves and move on. However, for others, it has increasingly become a space for relaxation, social media browsing, or even reading.
It is now common for individuals to carry their phones into the toilet, scrolling through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. Some even feel uncomfortable entering the bathroom without their phones, and may return to fetch them if forgotten.
Beyond phone use, others spend extended periods reading books or newspapers, sometimes staying long enough to experience numbness in their legs.
Men tend to spend longer in the toilet
While it may seem surprising, studies suggest that men generally spend more time in the toilet than women. A 2014 study found that men spend between 8 to 14 minutes per day in the bathroom—amounting to about 1 hour and 35 minutes per week—while women spend an average of 55 minutes weekly, or roughly 8 minutes per day.
According to a 2014 report by the Daily Mail, 86% of men admitted to reading various materials while in the toilet, compared to just 27% of women.
The findings indicate that men are more likely to read content related to sports or explicit material, whereas women tend to prefer romance or lifestyle-related content.
Additionally, 56% of men surveyed said the bathroom serves as a place to relax after a stressful day, while 39% consider it a rare opportunity for privacy.
Behavioral expert Jonathan Alpert suggests that some men may use the bathroom as a form of escape—from daily pressures, work stress, or even household responsibilities.
Health risks of staying too long
Health experts warn that spending excessive time sitting on the toilet can pose risks. Prolonged sitting may increase pressure on the rectal veins, potentially leading to conditions such as Hemorrhoids.
It can also contribute to poor blood circulation, causing numbness or tingling in the legs. In some cases, extended bathroom habits linked to phone use may also affect posture and overall well-being.
A habit worth reconsidering
While the bathroom may offer a moment of solitude, experts advise limiting time spent there and avoiding distractions such as mobile phones. Keeping bathroom visits brief can help prevent unnecessary health complications and promote better daily habits.
Health risks linked to spending too long in the toilet
Research shows that staying too long in the toilet—especially sitting for extended periods—can have serious effects on both physical and mental health.
Health experts recommend limiting time spent sitting on the toilet to between 5 and 10 minutes.
Dr. Rajeev Premnath, a laparoscopic surgery specialist at Hitech Hernia Centre, advises that individuals should not exceed 7 to 10 minutes in the toilet, noting that on average, many people spend between 30 and 45 minutes.
Studies have also found that people who use their phones in the toilet have a 46% higher risk of developing Hemorrhoids—a condition where veins in the rectal area swell and may bleed during bowel movements—compared to those who do not.
Prolonged sitting causes blood to pool in the veins around the rectum, as the sitting position puts pressure on these veins, increasing the likelihood of swelling due to extended time spent seated.
In addition, sitting too long can weaken the muscles that support the bladder, intestines, and other pelvic organs, potentially leading to complications such as urinary incontinence.
Research conducted by NordVPN and other health organizations found that mobile phones—especially those frequently taken into the toilet—can carry bacteria such as E. coli at levels up to 10 times higher than those found on toilet seats.
The findings also suggest that many people use the toilet as a place to escape responsibilities or stress. However, this habit can ultimately lead to wasted time and increased mental fatigue rather than genuine relaxation.
