Top 5 Adverse Health Effects of Gaming

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Entertaining and extremely addictive – these are just two of the best descriptions for online gaming. While many individuals tend to resort to video gaming to distress and to get away from the stressors of everyday work and studies, they likewise tend to expose their bodies to risks of adverse health impacts. Staying in front of the screen for long periods and getting comfortable with such sedentary lifestyle, certainly, have impacts on your health. Get to know these effects before it is too late.

Migraines or Extreme Recurring Headaches

The extreme concentration needed when playing online games puts massive strains on the two eyes, which could result to migraines. Migraines usually begin in one spot and slowly spread. This type of headache also gets more painful as it progresses. Gamers who experience this also complain of extreme pain to the point of vomiting and tend to be extra sensitive to noise and light.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition has been associated with long use of computers. The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the main nerve in the wrist gets pressed and squeezed for a long time. Using the computer mouse for a long time can cause swelling and irritation in the carpal tunnel – the area in the wrist where the main nerve is housed. The excessive use of video games joysticks or controllers is also one of the usual causes.

Sleep-related Disorders

One of the immediate effects of excessive online or video gaming is the occurrence of sleep-related disorders. These include, but not limited to, sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnia, and nocturnal myoclonus. When a person plays video games too much, there is an over-stimulation of the brain which causes these sleep disturbances. In addition, the obsession in video games prompts people to stay up all night and sacrifice the rest they need.

Poor Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene becomes a second priority when people are more inclined to spend their time in front of their screen to play. Individuals who are addicted to aiming typically forget to take care of themselves. Due to such obsession, they rarely have time to shower, wash their faces, brush their hair, etc. Some even can go for days without changing their clothes or shaving.

Poor Eating Habits

As with the personal hygiene, eating also becomes less of a priority for addictive gamers. These individuals do not take the time to eat healthy, balanced meals. Junk foods, sugary drinks, or anything that can be even while playing would suffice. In worse cases, some completely ditch their meals.

It is important to note that these effects are experienced by those who are highly addicted to gaming. People who are playing games professionally, testing games for a living, and developing games as a career usually know when to draw the line. If you are experiencing any of these effects or know someone who does, it is imperative that you seek professional and medical help immediately.

 

References:

  1. http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html
  2. http://www.video-game-addiction.org/video-game-addiction-articles/increased-media-consumption-among-teens-contributing-to-poor-health.htm
Yassine
A herbalist from Western Sahara, a long distance runner, and the founder of Grapefruit Dieter. What started as documenting hundreds of natural herbs originating from the Western Sahara desert turns into a passion of research, sharing the nomads secrets of medicine, and collaborating with researchers across the world.