A Study on Binge Watching and Its Association with Sleep Pattern-A Cross Sectional Study among Medical College Students in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Binge-watching is a phenomenon of recent interest, as many people all over the world have started watching a lot web-series and movies in Over the Top (OTT) platforms. By definition, binge watching is watching 3 to 6 episodes continuously without any breaks without any feeling of guilt associated with it. Binge-watching can lead to sedentary lifestyle and create problems in personal relation-ships, causing people to procrastinate important things in their professional/work life, reduced sleep time, insomnia and weight gain. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study among 391 medical college students in an urban area kancheepuram selected by Simple random sampling. Data collection was done using a semi structured questionnaire and Pittsburg sleep quality index scale. Results: The prevalence of binge watching was 63.3% among OTT users. Among the different compo-nents in PQSI Scale, it was found that subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency and daytime dysfunction had statistical significance association with binge-watching. Conclusion: Most people watching TV shows are unaware that they binge watch and it can have some lasting impacts on their sleep and quality of life. To prevent cognitive arousal, before going to sleep, practices like meditation and relaxation techniques can be followed.