Should You Avoid Horror Movies? The Unspeakable Truth

The phrase "Don't watch horror movies alone at night" is a familiar warning that's often met with laughter, but research suggests it might have a grain of truth. The question isn't whether horror movies are actively harmful, but rather, do they impact our psychological well-being in ways we might not expect?

Horror movies, by their very nature, aim to stir up strong emotions: fear, tension, and anxiety. They do this through careful storytelling, visual cues, and suspenseful music. But what happens when our brains respond to these stimuli as if they were real threats?

The Science Behind Scares

In reality, watching horror movies triggers the same fear response as real-life threats. Our brain's amygdala goes into overdrive, pumping our body full of adrenaline and cortisol, preparing us to fight or flee. But unlike real danger, there's no release once the movie ends. This 'residual fear' can linger, leading to various psychological effects.

Some people might enjoy this heightened state, often describing it as a thrilling 'rollercoaster ride.' For others, however, this sustained fear response can be problematic, especially those already prone to anxiety or sleep disorders.

Sleep Disturbances

Watching horror movies before bed can disrupt sleep patterns. The lingering fear might make it harder to relax and fall asleep. It can also cause nightmares or even insomnia. A study in 2014 found that participants who watched a scary movie before bed had poorer quality sleep and took longer to fall asleep than those who watched a light-hearted comedy.

The fear response also makes our sleep more 'light' and 'shallow,' further reducing our chances of getting restful REM sleep. Add to this the fact that horror movies often keep us up late, and it's a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation.

Heightened Anxiety

For those struggling with anxiety, horror movies can exacerbate symptoms. Seeing characters suffer through traumatic events can reminder viewers of their own fears or traumas, triggering a real-life anxiety response. Moreover, watching characters face and overcome their fears can also cause a sort of 'secondary trauma,' intensifying our own anxiety.

This isn't to suggest that everyone with anxiety should swear off horror movies. Rather, there's a balance to strike. If you find that watching horror makes your anxiety worse, it might be worth fasting from fear-inducing films until you've developed some coping strategies.

Beware of Binge-watching

Binge-watching horror movies can be particularly problematic. Marathoning scary flicks keeps the fear response activated for hours at a time, potentially leading to a sort of 'state of anxiety' that can last long after the tv turns off. This prolonged exposure can amplify all the negative effects mentioned earlier.

Scary movies also release dopamine, the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter triggered when we experience something thrilling or exciting. This can create a feedback loop, driving us to watch more to keep feeling that rush. But like any high, the comedown can be harsh, leaving us feeling anxious or depressed once the movie's over.

Avoid Scary Flicks Post-Traumatic Stress

Horror movies can also trigger or worsen symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For survivors of trauma, watching others relive similar experiences can be deeply triggering, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, or increased anxiety. Even within the general population, studies have found links between horror movie viewing and increased PTSD symptoms.

These findings don't mean we should all cancel our Netflix subscriptions. They're a reminder that horror movies, despite being just that - movies - can affect us deeply. If you know you're sensitive to scary content, or struggle with mental health conditions, it might be best to steer clear of horror movies, or at least choose ones that you know won't keep you up at night.