Kicking back in front of the TV for a box-set binge or movie marathon is a great way to see in the colder months - but it could be harming our health, doctors say.
A fifth of all homes in the UK are subscribed to the three most popular streaming services Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+, whilst those over 65 still favour broadcast TV over services like these.
While it can be a way to combat loneliness, a form of escapism and often a cheaper way to keep the kids entertained, it's important to know what too much TV can do to our bodies.
Here, some experts have shared their knowledge on the effects of binge-watching on our bodies and minds.
How TV affects the brain
According to Dr Bal Athwal, consultant neurologist at The Wellington Hospital, there isn't much knowledge on how too much TV can affect your brain.
He explained: "There is limited evidence which suggests binge-watching TV has a negative impact on our brain health.
"However, there have been preliminary studies which suggests it can shrink the amount of grey matter you have as we age."
This could be associated with "dementia and other degenerative brain diseases – due to it being a non-stimulating sedentary behaviour".
How TV affects the mind
The mind is slightly different, as it's focused on mental wellbeing rather than the physical brain.
Phil Sharples, a therapist at online therapy service livelife (livelife.co.uk), says: “When looking at the impact watching too much TV has on our mental health, there is research which has uncovered a correlation between binge-watching, depression, emptiness and low mood. It’s also suggested that those who suffer from depression or anxiety may be more likely to find themselves binge-watching, having a knock-on effect on their physical health too.
“Binge-watching can also disturb your sleep, and there is evidence that suggests sleep deprivation can contribute to the onset and worsening of mental health problems – such as anxiety and depression."
Phil also explained that people should be mindful of the type of TV programmes young people are watching - particularly reality TV, which can have negative impacts on body image and mental health.
He added: "Recent research from livelife found almost a quarter of Gen Z and millennials consider body image as one of the main pressures on their mental health.
"Binge-watching TV could also lead to isolation, and the more we isolate ourselves in the home, the more difficult we may find it to leave the house, increasing our anxiety and our ability to achieve a balanced lifestyle."
How TV affects the eyes
Contrary to what our parents used to say, too much TV won't turn your eyes square - but it can damage them.
"Binge-watching TV can lead to eye strain, and symptoms of this include difficulty concentrating, headache, blurred or double vision and burning or itching eyes," says private GP and mental health coach, Dr Hana Patel (drhanapatel.com).
Dry eye syndrome can also be as a result of too much other screen time, such as being on your phone or laptop - so it's important to take frequent breaks and visit a doctor if you think there's a problem.
How TV affects the body
Too much time lounging in front of the TV could be causing serious damage to your muscles and cardiovascular health, according to consultant Dr Sarah Davies at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health.
She explained: "When you slouch on the sofa, there is initially a sudden increase in lengthening of the soft tissues, followed by a slower but continued increase in length of the fibres as you sit in that slouched position for a long time. Simply put, our soft tissues continue to lengthen when stretched out on the sofa, even when you’re lying still.
"When you finally get up from the couch, the soft tissue collagen fibres take time to recover their original length, which is why you may feel stiff for a few seconds or minutes as you get going."
She also explained that when we sit still for a long time, blood can collect in our veins which means it slows its return to the heart.
She added: "This can divert blood away from important bodily functions, reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of the working body whilst we’re engrossed in a boxset."
How TV affects the gut
Gut health is a huge topic at the moment, and too much TV can often mean mindless snacking for hours on end - which isn't good news.
Dr Lisa Das, consultant gastroenterologist at HCA at the Shard, said: "Mindless bingeing on food, whilst mindlessly bingeing on Netflix and other streaming services creates no end of problems for our gut health. Sitting down causes your gut to slow down digestion, which in turn may lead to symptoms such as bloating, reflux and constipation."
She also explained that while we eat and watch TV at the same time, we don't get the full pleasure of eating that meal.
She added: "We don’t taste the food in the same way, acknowledge when we are full, and there’s no social interaction which is so necessary to our gut-brain signals."
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