If the content of horror movies doesn't bother you but you're still experiencing insomnia, it might not be the best idea to watch something scary right before bed. That's because all that suspense can increase physiological arousal in your body — the opposite of what helps you feel sleepy, Lindgren says.
Surprise, surprise, a new study has found that watching horror movies can negatively affect how well you sleep. The study, which was carried out by Betway Insider, ranks watching a horror movie as just about the worst thing you can do if you're hoping to get some high quality shut-eye.
The reason for our brains turning to negative thoughts at bedtime is what's called 'conditioned arousal'. Most people who have a bad time sleeping do so because of a stressor in their life and their sleep goes back to normal when their stress resolves.
Watching horrific images can trigger unwanted thoughts and feelings and increased levels of anxiety or panic, and even increase our sensitivity to startle-eliciting stimuli, making those of us who are anxious more likely to respond negatively and misinterpret the sensations as real threats.
Watching horror movies may lead to increased anxiety, fear, and nightmares, especially in younger children. Children who have been through trauma may be triggered by the themes and images in horror movies, which could make their symptoms worse.
Biological Reactions to Fear
Horror entertainment can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which comes with a boost in adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine. The brain can then process surroundings and conclude that the experience is not a genuine threat.
One reason we consume horror is to experience stimulation. Exposure to terrifying acts, or even the anticipation of those acts, can stimulate us — both mentally and physically — in opposing ways: negatively (in the form of fear or anxiety) or positively (in the form of excitement or joy).
After watching a horror film, discuss the movie with another person. Particularly how you felt in response to impactful scenes. This can help you release emotions and express yourself, rather than having your thoughts get stuck in your head.
It's clear that watching horror movies can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health, like boosting your serotonin levels and helping you to burn calories.
Don't watch alone.
There's truth behind the saying “safety in numbers”—even if the danger at hand is actually on the big screen. “Watching a horror movie with friends and people you trust builds stronger bonds and good memories,” says Kerr. “Being there for each other will make it less scary and more fun.”
In the study, researchers found that watching horror films promotes healthy coping strategies and anxiety management techniques for those with anxiety. One researcher speculates that this positive reaction is due to the sense of control over a fear that horror movies provide.
Mostly likely not. However, extreme fear can cause a heart attack in very rare cases. This phenomenon is called fear-induced stress cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome. It's triggered by stressful events or extreme emotions, says interventional cardiologist Dr.
Dr Hall, sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy, explains that “nightmares are predominantly caused by stress, and horror films are designed specifically to heighten emotions. “They use psychological tricks to create illusions of suspense and danger, which cause both stress and anxiety.
Horror made for the perfect genre to experiment with special effects, such as making ghosts disappear or conjuring entities out of cauldrons. The first ever horror film was made by French cinematic pioneer Georges Méliès, who created The House of the Devil in 1896.
Ultimately, horror is addictive because it is exciting. The build-up and impact tends to be greater than any other genre and it responds much more to human nature than anything else. It's fun to be scared, to push yourself, and to sometimes have something you are told you can't have."
When we watch a horror movie, our bodies go into fight or flight mode, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones. This rush can be addictive, and many people seek out the thrill of horror movies as a way to experience this rush in a safe and controlled environment.
Why Is Anxiety Worse at Night? Anxiety can get worse at night as people find themselves focusing more on their worries once they are lying in bed without the distractions of the day. For example, sometimes people with insomnia may begin to develop worries about whether or not they will be able to fall asleep.
There are many plausible explanations why things seem scarier at night. One of these is the heightened ability to hear when it's nighttime. As visibility decreases, people rely more heavily on their sense of sound.
It makes sense to be afraid in the dark because we human beings are vulnerable at night. Your fear, anxiety, and rumination during those nighttime hours are the result of thousands of years of humans needing to be on high alert at night.