🎮 Video Games: Beyond This Limit, Everything Goes Wrong, and It's Brutal

Scientists surveyed over three hundred young adults to assess their weekly video game habits. They then compared these habits to several health indicators, such as diet, sleep, and body weight.

The collected data indicates that the differences are not significant between very casual players and those who engage in a more substantial but still moderate practice. It's beyond a certain threshold that everything changes.


A clear shift occurs starting from ten hours of gaming each week. Young adults crossing this limit indeed show a poorer diet quality. Their median body mass index reaches 26.3, while it remains around 22 for less frequent players. Furthermore, each additional hour dedicated to gaming is linked to a reduction in the diversity and quality of food consumed.

Sleep is another area of concern. Although disturbances are reported in all groups, they become more pronounced among heavier players. Long evening sessions disrupt rest cycles, which can influence concentration and energy during the day.

Mario Siervo, lead author of the study published in Nutrition, clarifies that it's not gaming itself that is the problem, but its excessive nature. According to his observations, habits formed tend to persist into adulthood, making it useful to set limits early on.

It is entirely possible to enjoy video games without compromising one's health. Researchers highlight the importance of maintaining time slots for balanced meals, physical activity, and a fixed bedtime. Avoiding playing late at night and opting for regular breaks are among the simple tips to apply.

This survey does not prove a direct cause-and-effect link, but it reveals a clear correlation. For young adults, keeping gaming practice within moderate limits appears to be a sensible approach to preserving their health capital in the long term.

The Impact of Screens on the Sleep Cycle

The blue light emitted by screens, including those of consoles and computers, affects our internal clock. It delays the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body that it's time to prepare for rest. When playing late at night, this disruption can make falling asleep more difficult and impair the quality of deep sleep.

Fragmented or shortened sleep affects physical and mental recovery. It can lead to decreased alertness the next day, increased irritability, and difficulties with memorization. For students, this can harm learning abilities and results.

To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to stop all screen activity at least one hour before bedtime. Prioritizing calm activities like reading a paper book or listening to soft music allows the body to relax naturally. Establishing a fixed sleep routine also helps regulate the biological clock.

Adapting one's environment is another option: reducing screen brightness in the evening or using software filters that attenuate blue light. These simple actions can help better preserve sleep quality, even for video game enthusiasts.