The Impact of Binge-Watching on Sleep Quality and Health
Who hasn’t been tempted to watch just one more episode, then another, until suddenly it’s the middle of the night? The ease of accessing favorite shows anytime and anywhere makes the habit of binge-watching so hard to stop, even when your eyes are heavy and your body is asking for rest. However, behind the fun of marathon viewing late at night, there are hidden impacts that cannot be ignored. Researchers have found that this habit not only steals sleep time but also disrupts overall sleep quality and puts real pressure on the body and mind in the long run. So what exactly is binge-watching and how does it affect health? Here’s a more detailed explanation.
The term has become increasingly popular along with the proliferation of streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and others that allow viewers to access entire seasons of a show at once without having to wait for weekly broadcast schedules. Binge-watching turns out to have a much more serious impact than many people realize. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) revealed that 88 percent of adults admit to losing sleep due to this habit. Ironically, the same survey showed that sleep is actually the second highest priority for Americans, right after family. However, in reality, sleep time continues to be sacrificed for evening entertainment.
The habit of staying up late for shows is not evenly distributed across all age groups. In the survey, it was explained that as many as 44 percent of young people aged 18 to 24 admitted to “often” delaying sleep to watch series, while that number dropped dramatically to only 14 percent among those aged 45 and over. In addition to television series, live sports broadcasts are also a major cause of staying up late, with 72 percent of men admitting to sacrificing sleep to watch their favorite games. Meanwhile, women are more likely to stay awake reading, with 71 percent admitting to staying up late to finish a book.
Sacrificing sleep for entertainment not only makes the body tired the next day. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that those who enjoy binge-watching experience higher levels of fatigue. In addition, there are also more intense symptoms of insomnia, poorer sleep quality, and increased alertness right before bedtime, making it even harder to fall asleep. Feelings of frustration and guilt about missing out on sleep often exacerbate this condition, especially among Generation Z.
However, binge-watching doesn’t have to be completely abandoned. AASM suggests that everyone adopt healthy sleep habits by establishing a consistent nighttime routine as a way to help the body prepare for rest. Recognizing ideal sleep times based on age and wake-up time can also be a simple but effective step in maintaining a balance between entertainment and healthy sleep, as summarized by KompasTekno from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, AASM (aasm.org). Click on the link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCVYKk89ine5YSjZh1a. You must first install the WhatsApp application on your mobile phone. KOMPAS.com is committed to providing clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of clear journalism and enjoy ad-free reading comfort through Membership. Join KOMPAS.com Plus now.