Here's how scary movies, attractions can impact your health

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Scary movies and attractions are popular in the Halloween season, but there's some health impacts you should consider.

Experts say scary entertainment can cause an increased heart rate and an adrenaline rush. Horror experiences can also cause a lack of sleep. If you struggle with heart problems or certain mental health conditions, you might want to pass on these Halloween festivities.

"Your brain is actually interpreting it as real," said Bryce Heitman, family physician for Newman Regional Health. "And so what happens with that is a fight or flight response. Your pulse goes up to get blood flow to your extremities to escape. So that's a big reason why you have the fight or flight response to movies."

Experts recommend reading to calm yourself down after a scare.

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