Playing video games, whether via a computer, a console or any other type of device, may seem like a harmful recreational activity, but what if the time invested in gaming becomes extreme?
Any types of behavior taking to an extreme measure can be potentially dangerous, particularly if it begins interfering with a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
If a person becomes so consumed by their gaming habits that they begin neglecting personal health as well as daily responsibilities and duties, it may be an important time to examine what issues may be at hand.
Many individuals who struggle with a gaming addiction will play their games for hours upon hours, often neglecting basic needs like eating and sleeping.
People who become consumed with gaming will often utilize nighttime hours for sleep to get in extra time to devote to gaming.
However, the pattern of prolonged periods of sleep deprivation can lead to more serious complications, such as insomnia and other sleep disorders.
This can ultimately harm a person’s health, as adequate sleep is crucial for many of the basic functions in the body.
Leads to Illness
Insomnia and other sleep disorders can result in a compromised immune system, which may make a person more susceptible to illness and sickness.
Sleep deprivation Insomnia and other sleep disorders can result in a compromised immune system, which may make a person more susceptible to illness and sickness.
This can also trigger mental illness, such as increased anxiety and/or depression, and the overall lack of sleep can severely compromise a person’s ability to succeed in each aspect of their lives.
A person who is dealing with an unresolved sleep disorder or chronic sleep deprivation resulting from addictive video gaming may suffer the loss of a job, jeopardize their career, fail in school, neglect responsibilities and more.
If you or someone you care for has struggled with a sleep disorder as a result of an extreme gaming addiction, consider seeking out professional help immediately.
As with any form of addiction, there are typically complex underlying issues associated with these behaviors and habits that require the comprehensive treatment of professionals.
Talk with someone you trust to begin the process of regaining your health, and ultimately, your life back.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 26, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com