How many times have you finished an entire season of your favorite TV show without even realizing that the whole day has already passed? Thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, we get to watch new and compelling TV shows in one go. That too for an affordable monthly fee. Talk about getting the best of both worlds, right?
But little do you know that these constant binge-watching sessions are slowly and steadily jeopardizing your health. Not just poor sleep, watching “Breaking Bad” at a stretch can do more damage than just disrupting your sleep. Let’s find out what experts have to say about binge-watching:
This happens to your brain when you binge-watch
Finishing one episode after another feels good, doesn’t it? This is because of the chemicals being released in your brain. While doing an enjoyable activity, your brain produces the chemical dopamine. Dopamine gives the feeling of the reward of pleasure that sends a message to your brain, “This feels great. Keep doing this.” So, when you are binge-watching a show, you experience a drug-like high. Your brain becomes addicted to an activity that constantly produces dopamine.
You don’t get proper sleep
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine revealed that the more you binge-watch the poorer your sleep quality. This also leads to increased fatigue and more insomnia symptoms. If you are an avid binge-watcher who doesn’t get good sleep, it is advisable that you reduce arousal before sleep to tackle bedtime problems.
You get prone to obesity & heart diseases
Wondering why you’ve suddenly gained extra pounds? The TV marathon sessions are the culprit. Experts say that watching TV for extended hours causes you to eat mindlessly. This, in turn, leads to an increased risk of obesity. Sitting for long hours also increases the risk of heart diseases as our favorite snacks during TV time are usually processed foods.
You slowly become a loner
Some people like binge-watching alone. Studies say that such people start lacking social lives and this leads to increased chances of depression and some mood disorders. Lack of socialization also increases the risk of heart diseases.
You are ruining your sex life
Make way for the new birth control technique. Binge-watching is killing your sex life! A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior reported that streaming services are a factor for the decline in sexual frequency in couples. After one episode ends, the next is available immediately. There have also been reports wherein couples say that the urge to procreate comes second to the pleasure of binge-watching.
The takeaway
If you are an avid binge-watcher, try balancing your habit with other activities. Try reducing watching back to back episodes and do other fun stuff. Draw, paint, take up dance classes or go out with your friends. When you create another source of pleasure, your habit of doing TV marathons will naturally reduce. Good Luck!
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