What are the effects of video games on health ?5 answersVideo games have a multifaceted impact on health. Research indicates that video games can lead to minor forms of aggression, but the effect size is small and does not extend to severe acts of violence. Excessive video game use among adolescents is associated with higher BMI and increased risk of metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Serious digital health games have shown effectiveness in various health settings, such as medical training and mental health treatment, but behavioral changes may be short-lived, necessitating further research on what drives effectiveness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, video games, especially augmented reality and online multiplayer ones, have been found to mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression among adolescents and young adults, although at-risk individuals, particularly male youths, may experience detrimental effects.
How do video games improve productivity of adults?5 answersVideo games can enhance productivity in adults through various mechanisms. Firstly, they provide a source of individualized progress, offering quick episodes of achievement and compensating for alienated working practices. Additionally, video game training has been shown to improve visuospatial working memory and episodic memory in older adults, indicating the plasticity of the aging brain and the effectiveness of video game interventions in cognitive enhancement. Furthermore, continuous exposure to video games can lead to improved attentional and executive abilities, regardless of the specific genre played, suggesting that regular gaming can enhance decision-making skills and basic attentional abilities. Overall, incorporating video games into break times at the workplace can boost employees' competence, enthusiasm, and performance, creating a happier and more engaging work environment.
How does sleep affect athletic performance?4 answersSleep has a significant impact on athletic performance. It influences an athlete's ability to train, recover, and perform, as well as their overall wellness. Sleep loss and poor sleep quality can impair physical performance, including muscular strength and speed. Additionally, sleep issues can increase the risk of injuries and impair recovery after injury. Cognitive performance is also affected by sleep, including vigilance, learning and memory, decision making, and creativity. Furthermore, sleep plays a role in learning new skills and tactics for both elite and developing athletes. The relationship between sleep and performance is not a one-size-fits-all approach and depends on factors such as type of sport, scheduling, time of the season, and individual sleep requirements. Overall, sleep is crucial for optimal athletic performance and should be prioritized by athletes and coaches.
How does alcohol impact on sleep in adults?5 answersAlcohol consumption has been shown to have a negative impact on sleep in adults. Heavy drinking can disrupt sleep, decrease sleep quality, and increase daytime sleepiness. Drinking high volumes of alcohol is associated with waking several times during the night and feeling tired upon waking. Alcohol-related sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is more prevalent among adults who habitually consume alcohol, and there is evidence suggesting that alcohol compromises craniofacial features, decreases pharyngeal airway size, and increases nasal resistance, leading to SDB. Additionally, there is a bidirectional relationship between alcohol and sleep, as sleep duration and quality can also influence alcohol consumption. Young adults who go to bed earlier and sleep longer tend to use less alcohol the next day, while those who drink more tend to go to bed later and have worse sleep quality. Overall, alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep and contribute to sleep problems in adults.
How does alcohol impact on sleep in healthy adults?5 answersAlcohol consumption has a negative impact on sleep in healthy adults. It reduces sleep efficiency, lowers self-reported sleep quality, and increases sleep disruption in the second half of the night. Alcohol also delays the onset of the first REM sleep period and reduces total night REM sleep percentage. However, the effects on REM sleep in the first half of the night are dose-dependent, with low and moderate doses showing no clear trend. Alcohol intake late at night particularly affects sleep quality after it has been metabolized and left the body. Additionally, alcohol consumption is associated with increased next-day hangover severity and reduced activity levels. The research suggests a bidirectional association between alcohol and sleep, with insomnia symptoms predicting heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this association and to develop interventions for individuals with alcohol use disorders and insomnia.
How does internet addiction affect sleeping time?5 answersInternet addiction has been found to have a negative impact on sleep duration and quality. Several studies have shown that individuals addicted to the internet experience sleep problems and have a reduced sleep duration compared to normal internet users. Adolescents with internet addiction tend to go to bed and wake up late, have a decrease in the duration of nighttime sleep, experience an increase in sleep onset latency, and have frequent nighttime awakenings. University students with internet addiction also have a higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting increase in internet use have further exacerbated sleep disturbances, including insomnia, among individuals with internet addiction. Overall, internet addiction is associated with disturbances in sleep patterns and an increased risk of sleep problems and excessive daytime sleepiness.