The Dark Side of the Screen: Why Falling Asleep to the TV is a Habit That’s Hard to Break

Falling asleep with the TV on has become a common phenomenon in many households. A recent poll conducted by Tom’s Guide found that 59% of respondents fall asleep in front of the TV at least some nights a week, and one-third admit to doing so most evenings. This habit may seem harmless, but it can have significant consequences for our sleep quality.

For many people, watching TV before bed is not just about enjoying their favorite show; it’s also about finding relief from racing thoughts and worries that make it difficult to fall asleep. Dr. Shelby Harris, a board-certified clinical psychologist with Better Sleep, explains that the steady background noise of the TV can quiet racing thoughts and ease the transition from wakefulness to sleep.

The type of content we’re watching is also a factor in our ability to wind down before bed. Familiar shows, such as nature documentaries or reruns of favorite sitcoms, offer a sense of comfort and predictability that helps us relax without engaging our brains too much. “Familiar shows provide a sense of companionship at the end of the day,” notes Dr. Harris.

However, this habit can have an unintended consequence: it can become an unhelpful sleep cue over time. If we repeatedly watch TV when we’re becoming sleepy, our brains learn to associate the sofa and TV time with sleepiness. As a result, falling asleep without the TV becomes a challenge that’s difficult to overcome.

One reason this habit is so hard to break is that we’re not paying attention to our bodies’ needs. Dr. Nicola Cann, a sleep psychologist, suggests that if you’re regularly falling asleep in front of the TV, it’s worth asking yourself whether you’re getting enough sleep and going to bed when your body is ready.

The issue runs deeper than just our individual habits, however. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyle and the blurring of boundaries between work and rest have led us to rely on screens as a crutch for sleep. The irony is that while technology has enabled us to be more productive and entertained than ever before, it’s also undermined our ability to disconnect and recharge.

To break this habit, experts recommend replacing TV with other calming activities, such as reading, meditation, or taking a warm bath before bed. These activities give us something else to focus on, distracting us from worries about the day ahead or replaying stressful conversations.

Ultimately, breaking this habit requires a fundamental shift in our relationship with technology – one that prioritizes rest and rejuvenation over entertainment and distraction. By recognizing the ways in which our screens can hijack our sleep patterns, we may find ourselves waking up feeling more refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on the day.