Television and Over Stimulation
-how watching tv can interfere with sleep
To say that television fills an important role in most people's lives is an understatement. The average person watches several hours of tv each day.
In some ways television has replaced the community experience. Instead of hanging out with people after work, we, in the west sit down and 'relax' in front of the tv
Watching television makes us think that we have a greater social network than we actually do have. It adds meaning to our otherwise mostly uneventful lives. Our week seems just a lot more purposeful when we can anticipate the next episode of our favourite drama. Many of us derive meaning in our lives from the eventful lives on the tv screen.
When we work hard, have lots of responsibilites to tend to and have to cope with running a household, caring for children etc., what better way is there to relax in the evening than watching a movie or sitcome on television?
Is there a link between television and over stimulation?
Watching tv can be stressful or relaxing depending on the individual and on what is showing. A disturbing movie may produce feelings of anxiety that go by unnoticed but leaves a lingering feeling of anxiety, enough to keep the mind going for a few hours. Commercials may leave images in the mind of stuff we need to buy or desire or things that we were supposed to get done but have not gotten to. Newscasts may leave us thinking about world problems that are beyond our ability to resolve.
Interestingly enough some studies have shown a correlation between tv watching and development of attention deficit disorder in young children. Apparently it is not the content that is the main issue but the rapid visual images. Exposing a child to these kinds of stimuli may have the effect of rewiring the brain, permanently.
This research shows that in children, even if they are watching something that may not have aggressive or disturbing content in any way, the stimulating effect of the television is still present and could present a problem for some.
It is not farfetched to believe that a similar link between tv and overstimulation exists for adults. The effects may not be as far reaching as in children, but may still be there.
Watching television may worsen sleep problems
If you are experiencing sleep problems it may be useful to take a good look at your tv watching. Cutting out anything that may be a cause of anxiety or over stimulation, could be a wise choice. It may be better for a person who struggles with insomnia to substitute reading a good book in the evening instead of watching television, or doing some other relaxing activity before going to sleep.