Those nighttime binges of some of the biggest shows on your favorite streaming service could be what is keeping you wide awake with your mind racing. According to a study conducted by sleep experts at Onebed, certain shows have a unique ability to disrupt your sleep quality. You may have a hard time sleeping because these binge-worthy series trigger intense emotional and physiological responses that make it difficult for your body to unwind.
Here’s what the study found about streaming these six major sleep-wreckers.
1. Squid Game (Season 2)
Squid Game returned with higher stakes, along with sabotaging the sleep of viewers. The study found that the intense competition scenes and shocking eliminations activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, leaving viewers in a state of high alert. This heightened stress response keeps your brain stuck in survival mode even after the episode ends. Experts explained that this constant state of tension makes it much harder for the body to produce the melatonin necessary for restful sleep.
2. Stranger Things (Season 4)
According to the study, Stranger Things is a sensory overload that wreaks havoc on your brain’s natural wind-down process. Its flashy neon visuals and pulsating synth soundtrack overstimulate the senses, delaying your body’s transition to sleep mode. The study also found that scenes featuring children in danger trigger deep protective instincts in the viewer, keeping the brain on high alert long after the show is over. This elevated state of mental activity is counterproductive to sleep, making it difficult to relax and drift off for a good night’s rest.
Stream Stranger Things on Netflix
3. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
True crime content has exploded in popularity which has made it a huge fan favorite amongst cord cutters. However, experts warn that it can be a significant sleep disruptor. The study revealed that when viewers watch a show like Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, their nervous system responds as though they are experiencing real-life danger. This triggers a survival response, causing the body to remain on edge and suppressing natural sleep hormones. The study emphasized that the intimate portrayal of real-life events in the Evan Peters-led show hits too close to home for many viewers, leaving them feeling anxious and unsettled long after the episode has ended.
Stream Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix
4. Succession (Final Season)
You might not think that a show about wealthy family drama would affect your sleep, but Succession is surprisingly disruptive. According to Onebed’s sleep experts, the sharp dialogue and constant high-pressure power plays keep the brain in problem-solving mode. This mental engagement makes it challenging for the mind to wind down, even after the show has finished. The study found that viewers often internalize the stress of the characters, resulting in heightened anxiety and restlessness that can delay sleep onset.
Stream the Succession Final Season on Apple TV+
6. The Last of Us
According to the study, watching a zombie apocalypse before bed is not ideal for sleep. The Last of Us combines survival horror with emotional storytelling in a way that keeps the viewer’s fight-or-flight response constantly activated. The experts noted that this constant tension leaves the brain stuck in threat-detection mode, making it difficult to relax. Emotional scenes, meanwhile, keep the mind processing feelings on overdrive, further delaying the body’s ability to prepare for sleep.
Bonus Movie: Oppenheimer
The only film to make the list that the study found can derail your sleep was the intense historical drama, Oppenheimer. The study described it as a “cognitive triple threat” due to its overwhelming visuals, complex moral dilemmas, and deep existential themes. The seven-time Oscar winner stimulates the brain’s analytical and emotional centers, preventing it from shifting into a restful state. Experts pointed out that the heavy subject matter feels oddly relevant, which can lead to lingering anxiety and late-night overthinking.
Stream Oppenheimer on Prime Video
Expert Tips for Better Sleep
The sleep experts at Onebed suggest watching these intense shows earlier in the day to give your mind time to calm down. They suggest streaming these at least three hours before you attempt to go to sleep. Pairing your favorite thriller with a calming activity like meditation or light reading can help reset your nervous system and prepare your body for rest. For optimal sleep, it’s also recommended to avoid binge-watching sessions late at night and instead stick to a consistent bedtime routine for a natural sleep cycle.