According to a new study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers, prolonged TV viewing was associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death .
How does watching TV affect your physical health?
Headache, back pain, eye symptoms and sleep problems were found to be more often among children who watched television longer (p < 0.05). It was concluded that television viewing is related to many physical complaints, which may have lifelong consequences (obesity).
Does watching TV raise risk of health problems?
Over the study period, there were 129 heart events and 205 deaths. Analysis showed that adults watching at least four hours of television a day had 49% greater risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who watched fewer than two hours a day .
Does too much TV affect your brain?
Researchers found that even moderate amounts of TV viewing were associated with worse performance on cognitive tests as people aged . Regular TV viewers also experienced greater brain atrophy.
Is it OK to watch TV all day once in a while?
For many people, this means hibernating on the couch with a bowl of snacks and binge watching their favorite shows. While this can be a fun and relaxing activity every once in a while, excessive TV binge watching can be extremely harmful for your health .
What happens when you stop watching TV?
The scientific link between the amount of TV watched and obesity has been proven. People who have a habit of sitting down and watching TV for long periods of time, are often more likely to be obese and at risk of heart diseases . You’re also likely to eat more when you’re sitting down in front of the television.
Why is TV better than reading?
All the research says reading a book is good for you. Better even than listening to an audiobook or reading one on an e-reader. It reduces stress, promotes comprehension and imagination, alleviates depression, helps you sleep and may contribute to preventing Alzheimer’s . Reading is active; watching TV is passive.
Does TV lower your IQ?
Several previous studies have found lower verbal IQ and increased aggressiveness in proportion to the amount of television children watch . This new research uncovers the biological mechanism for these changes in behavior and drop in intelligence.
How much time should you spend watching TV a day?
More than ever, though, it is important to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle. One way we can do this, according to new research, is to cut back on our time watching TV. In fact, researchers say cutting back to 2 hours a day may be a good way to prevent poor health.
Can TV give you headaches?
Long hours looking at television, computers, tablets, cell phones, and video games can lead to exhaustion, lack of circulation, and eyestrain, which can cause headaches . Rarely is eyestrain the sole cause of headaches.
What happens to the brain when you stop watching TV?
While watching TV the frontal lobe becomes underdeveloped through disuse . With underdeveloped frontal lobe you also become less able to control your behavior and outburst of uncontrollable anger and lack of self-discipline are more likely to occur.
Does eating while watching TV damage your brain?
Multitasking as you eat
Your habit of watching your favorite show at dinner could negatively impact your body and brain . A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that watching TV as you eat can lead you not to pay attention to fullness cues. Doing so can lead to overeating.
Why is television bad for you?
Previous research has also linked prolonged television viewing to heart disease, blocked arteries and dangerous blood clots . In this new study, TV viewing increased the risk for life-threatening clots both in the arms and legs (a condition called deep vein thrombosis) and in the lungs (known as pulmonary embolism).
Is it good to not watch TV?
It is not a healthy one , either. The negative mental consequences of staring at an electronic screen, television or otherwise, include decreased memory, a weakened ability to plan, organize and take action, weaker brain functioning and other neurological problems.
What are the disadvantages of watching TV?
- Buying a TV could be expensive.
- Children spend more time on TV rather than playing and studying.
- Encourages violence and sexual activity.
- Waste of time and makes you lazy.
- Makes you antisocial.
Can watching TV Reduce stress?
Some research has shown that using media can make you more relaxed, since it provides a momentary escape from whatever stresses are eating away at us , but researchers found that particularly busy and fatigued people actually felt guilty about spending so much time in front of the TV.
What are benefits of watching TV?
- Educational. TV has many educational benefits for children and adults. ...
- Stay Current. TV is a source of news. ...
- Get Cultured. TV can provide a cheap escape instead of travelling. ...
- Crazy Fandoms are Fun. ...
- Feel the Connection. ...
- Family Bonding. ...
- Learn a Language. ...
- Mental Health.
Is it better to read or watch TV before bed?
The Sleep Council say ‘39% of people who are in the habit of reading before they go to sleep, sleep very well’. It makes perfect sense that an activity that reduces stress is beneficial before bed. Reading is also a better alternative to watching TV or scrolling through your phone.
Why does watching TV shorten your life?
“Every single hour of TV viewed may shorten life by as much as 22 minutes.” Previous studies have already linked sedentary behavior with a higher risk of death, especially from heart attack or stroke. Watching TV is known to account for a large amount of sedentary activity .
Can TV damage your eyes?
Watching TV too much or too closely will damage your eyes
Watching too much TV or sitting very close to it may make your eyes tired or give you a headache – particularly if you are watching TV in the dark – but won’t cause any serious permanent damage.
Is reading healthier than watching TV?
Is reading books better than watching TV? Reading books is better than watching TV . Reading can prevent some diseases, prepares for life and exercises your brain. Watching TV is bad for physical health and has negative impact on your brain.
