Top Picks for Long-Hour Series Worth Watching
In the modern world, television has evolved to become a significant part of many people's lives. With the advent of streaming services, binge-watching has become a popular pastime. However, recent studies have shown that excessive binge-watching can have detrimental effects on health.
Physical Risks from Prolonged Sitting
Binge-watching, which often involves long periods of sitting, can reduce activity-related enzymes like lipoprotein lipase by 90%. This reduction increases the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and poor bone health, especially in seniors[1].
Sleep Disturbances
Research has linked binge-watching to poorer sleep quality, increased insomnia, fatigue, heightened cognitive alertness before bedtime, and disrupted sleep cycles. These factors impair daily functioning and well-being[2][5].
Mental Health Impacts
Excessive binge-watching can lead to feelings of regret, guilt, stress, and in some cases, addiction-like behavior. While some use binge-watching for mood regulation, its effectiveness depends on individual self-control, and it may exacerbate stress recovery issues and reduce productivity[2][5].
Isolation and Depression
In seniors, excessive TV or binge-watching may lead to social isolation, feelings of being a burden, sadness, and depression[1].
Increased Cardiometabolic Risk in Youth
Extended screen time, including binge-watching, elevates cardiometabolic risk factors such as waist circumference and blood pressure in children and adolescents, which worsens with inadequate sleep[3].
Overall, excessive binge-watching promotes sedentary lifestyle habits that compromise both mental and physical health across age groups. Regular breaks, physical activity, healthy sleep habits, and social engagement can help mitigate these risks.
Meanwhile, the world of television has seen a surge in captivating series that engage viewers and challenge stereotypes. Shows like "The Wire," a crime drama exploring the interconnected institutions of Baltimore, "Big Little Lies," a drama following the lives of five women in Monterey, California, "Killing Eve," a spy thriller, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," a comedy-drama about a housewife turned stand-up comedian, "Westworld," a science fiction series set in a futuristic theme park, "The Handmaid's Tale," a dystopian drama with a strong female lead, "Lost," a mystery drama about survivors of a plane crash, "Jessica Jones," a superhero noir series, and many more, have become staples of binge-watching.
These shows, while compelling, serve as a reminder to maintain a balance between entertainment and health. As we immerse ourselves in these captivating narratives, it's essential to remember the importance of taking regular breaks, staying active, and prioritising our health and well-being.
Binge-watching, an aspect of modern lifestyle, not only includes watching captivating series but also leads to prolonged periods of sitting, which can negatively impact one's health by reducing activity-related enzymes and increasing the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and poor bone health.
Furthermore, binge-watching can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poorer sleep quality, increased insomnia, and fatigue, eventually impairing daily functioning and well-being.
