The Health Consequences Of Binge-Watching Television

Binge watching television is when you watch one episode after another of a television show without stopping, except perhaps for bathroom breaks and snacks. Binging on television was not possible for individuals in earlier generations before the advent of the Internet, cable television, and the night and day accessibility of entertainment these media provide. Nowadays, the temptation to binge watch television is coupled with the endless availability of programming, videos, CDs, and online streaming, resulting in damaging health consequences for bingers. Get to know these major health consequences now.

Disrupts Sleep Cycles

A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine surveyed 423 individuals on their television watching habits and their quality of sleep and the presence of sleep disorders. Participants who reported the most occurrences of binge-watching television also reported the most problems with insomnia, disrupted sleep cycles, and feeling wakeful at bedtime.

The researchers noted many programs individuals binge on have complex plots and intensive character development, causing viewers to have a large physiological and emotional response to what they watch, thus increasing the amount of time they need after watching to relax and become sleepy. Viewing a bright screen at night can also affect the circadian rhythms, which control the daily cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Poor quality of sleep and lack of sleep lower immune function, leading to more cases of colds, flu, and other contagious diseases.

Continue for more information on the health consequences of binge-watching television.