Falling asleep with the TV on? 400 of our readers do it too, but here's why doctors urge you to stop
From background noise to comfort shows, real readers share why they can't fall asleep without the TV — as experts reveal what it's really doing to your health.
A recent Tom's Guide poll revealed that 59% of over 700 respondents admitted to dozing off in front of the television. To understand why this is the case, we spoke with two psychologists and a medical doctor. Many people find that having the TV on provides a steady background noise that helps quiet racing thoughts and aids in falling asleep.
Some view TV shows, particularly familiar or predictable ones, as relaxing or boring enough to induce sleep. However, repeatedly watching TV before bed can train the brain to associate the TV with sleepiness, making it harder to fall asleep without it. Additionally, falling asleep while watching TV may simply indicate that one is too tired to stay awake.
While using the TV as a sleep aid may help some individuals fall asleep, it can ultimately lower the quality of sleep. Doctors advise against this habit, encouraging instead better sleep hygiene practices.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
