Whether on the sofa or in your bedroom, you’ve probably fallen asleep in front of the TV countless times. But is sleeping with the TV on really bad for you? Check out the information below to learn more.
The TV Could Result in Poor Quality Sleep
Being exposed to the light from your TV, or even from your mobile device or laptop, before bed could actually reduce the quality of your sleep. That’s because your body’s exposure to darkness and light is what contributes to a healthy internal clock. Falling asleep with a light pointing your way could throw your internal clock off and prevent you from getting the restful sleep that you need because the light will stimulate a nerve pathway that runs from the eyes to the brain.
You Could Become Prone to Depression
Exposing yourself to the artificial light from a TV screen at night and while you sleep might even boost your risk of suffering from depression, according to a study published in Molecular Psychiatry. When researchers from Ohio State University Medical Center exposed hamsters to artificial light when they should have be sleeping, the animals became depressed and lost interest in treats and became less active. Their brains actually showed changes that were similar to those that happen in humans that are depressed. So in addition to disrupting your circadian rhythm, leaving the TV on might make you more prone to depression. But when the hamsters were able to get several hours of sleep in darkness, their depression diminished.
An Increased Risk of Disease and Weight Gain
If you have been struggling to get a full night’s sleep and feel refreshed in the morning, it
might be because you are exposing your body to artificial lights at night, disrupting your body’s production of melatonin. And when your circadian rhythm is disrupted this badly, you could also end up with a higher risk of disease and weight gain. So consider turning off your TV before heading to bed, and make your bedroom as dark as possible too. However, if you are still experiencing trouble getting and staying asleep, you can also consider taking an over-the-counter sleeping pill to get the rest that you need.
Put simply, sleeping with the TV on is a bad habit, as your body does best when you are able to sleep in a dark room without artificial lights confusing your internal clock. So with a few changes to your lifestyle, you might start to notice a difference in how you feel every day.
Photo by Julian O’hayon on Unsplash
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