Let’s just say that many sleep hygiene tips are far from tempting. For example, there’s waking up at the same time every day (no thanks, I like to sleep in on the weekends!). There’s also avoiding caffeine close to bedtime (what about my emotional-support Diet Coke?).
The good news is, another key example has recently been debunked (to a certain extent). It’s watching — or even more so, listening — to a TV show before bed.
“Many people ask me if falling asleep while watching TV is alright,” said Dr. Emma Lin, a board-certified pulmonologist, sleep medicine specialist and co-founder of ReadyO2.com. “The reality is, it is just right for some individuals.”
Typically, we hear it’s important to avoid screens before bed because they emit blue light, which can suppress the production of melatonin and disrupt our circadian rhythms (or our bodies’ “internal clocks”). This can make our bodies think it’s time to be awake.
But according to sleep doctors, it’s not that simple. Ahead, they explain how watching TV before bed can actually be beneficial, and how to do it right.
