Finding comfort in falling asleep can be a true pleasure, especially after a long or stressful day and with the onset of colder temperatures. Yet, many individuals may unknowingly be depriving themselves of those precious additional hours of sleep they deeply desire when the morning alarm rings due to a seemingly innocent habit before bedtime.
Determining what constitutes “enough sleep” varies for each person based on their individual needs. Contrary to common belief, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation, as everyone’s overnight recovery requirements differ.
According to information provided by the NHS, the average adult requires between seven to nine hours of sleep, with younger individuals needing more rest. Children, based on their age, should aim for nine to 13 hours, while toddlers benefit most from getting between 12 to 17 hours daily, including naps.
Health experts caution that feeling constantly tired during the day may indicate inadequate sleep. A common habit that might disrupt both adults’ and children’s sleep patterns has a straightforward solution.
Many individuals lead hectic lives, often only finding time to relax by watching TV as they prepare for bed. While this routine may seem harmless, it could actually hinder falling asleep promptly, initiating a cycle of fatigue.
Although precise figures on the prevalence of TVs in UK bedrooms are unavailable, recent surveys suggest that at least half of households with televisions have one in the bedroom. Findings from a 2024 UK Sleep Survey by Dreams revealed that over half (52%) of individuals have a TV in their bedroom, while a 2022 study by Bensons for Beds indicated that 57% of Britons have a bedroom TV, making the bedroom the second most favored TV-watching location.
The NHS highlights that watching television before bed engages the brain with light, sound, and movement, stimulating the body and reducing fatigue.
In accordance with NHS guidance, having a TV in the bedroom can disrupt sleep quality by breaking the habit of associating the bedroom with sleep. Thus, removing the TV from the bedroom is recommended.
Research studies consistently link bedroom TVs to negative consequences, such as increased screen time, sedentary behavior, poorer sleep quality, higher rates of childhood obesity, and lower academic performance, particularly in children.
Dr. Hana Patel, a sleep expert at Time4Sleep, advises against having a TV in the bedroom but offers suggestions for individuals who prefer not to completely eliminate TV before bed. Dr. Patel recommends switching off the TV at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help the mind relax. For those who rely on TV to fall asleep, she suggests watching visually and audibly relaxing programs, like nature documentaries featuring calming water sounds.
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