Video games, mental health and sleep are closely connected, and for good reason.
A recent study published in the National Institute of Health found that video games can provide a boost to our mental health. However, the positive outcomes of playing video games heavily depend on how and when they are played.
Sleep timing and resulting circadian rhythms are critical to maintaining positive mental health, as highlighted by a recent study from the University of Southampton. Interrupting sleep by staying up all night to play video games can disrupt the positive effects of gaming on mental health.
Understanding the “when” and “how” of using video games for mental health treatment is crucial. It’s important to pay attention to our media nutrition and ensure that we are not sacrificing sleep for playtime. Let’s continue to prioritize our mental health and use video games in a way that benefits us.
Read more about the impact of video games on mental health in the National Institute of Health study:Â https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6361300/
and the University of Southampton study: https://scitechdaily.com/breaking-the-cycle-a-new-approach-to-sleep-and-mental-health/
