Screening for Sleep Problems: Binge Watching in the Internet Era and its Relationship to Sleep Habits

background-Binge watching of television and other programming has recently increased in prevalence as advancing technology enables the ability to instantly stream and/or record content on demand to nearly any type of device (Smart TV's, tablets, cell phones) at any time. The phenomenon of binge watching with Internet-streaming devices has yet to be examined with regard to sleep habits.

methods-This study explores the relationship between self-identified binge watching and self-reported viewing habits with levels of stress and anxiety. Data was collected with North American affiliates of Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) in January 2015. Measures included an adapted version of Hovrath's (2004) Television Addiction Scale (to include Internet-streaming devices). Participants (N = 408) were 53% female, 47% male, 74% White, with a Mean age of 37 years (SD = 14).

findings-Self-identified binge watchers (35%) indicated significantly more trouble sleeping because their viewing habits interfered with their regular sleeping schedule, the degree of sleep trouble was directly proportional to the frequency of binge watching. Those who watched within an hour of going to sleep reported more interference with their regular sleeping schedule. Those who indicated higher levels of viewing addiction were more likely to watch within an hour of going to sleep, indicated significantly more trouble sleeping because their viewing habits interfered with their regular sleeping schedule, and were more likely to take medicines to help themselves sleep.

implications-Public health professionals need to be aware of how new technologies may relate to sleep patterns and sleep problems.