1 month ago
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Getting good sleep is crucial for overall health. Health officials recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night. However, many adults are not achieving this goal.Psychologist Chivonna Childs from the Cleveland Clinic noted that many people have a habit of sleeping with the TV on, which can impact sleep quality."People sleeping with the TV on is a very common thing," Childs said. She explained that TVs do not have blue light filters like cell phones do, which can negatively affect sleep. "The blue light kind of reminds us of the sun, so it disrupts our circadian rhythms," she added.Childs emphasized that having the TV on can also interfere with REM sleep, the stage where most dreaming occurs. "That's when we have that restless kind of sleep that we go into, and we may be sleeping, quote-unquote, but we're waking up and we're not rested," she said.To break this bedtime habit, Childs recommends practicing good sleep hygiene. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as well as afternoon naps. Instead, she suggests caffeine-free tea to help prepare for sleep. Creating a calming bedtime ritual, such as reading a book or dimming the lights, can also be beneficial, Childs said.If background noise is necessary, Childs suggests using a sleep mask to block out TV light or setting a timer for the TV to turn off after an hour or two. Listening to a radio, podcast, or soothing sleep music can also help. There are even apps available that guide users in meditation before bed."You can train yourself to go to sleep without your TV," Childs said.For a consistent sleep routine, Childs advises waking up and going to bed at the same times each day, even on weekends. She also suggests that the bedroom should be a sanctuary, used only for sleep and relaxation.
Getting good sleep is crucial for overall health.
Health officials recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night. However, many adults are not achieving this goal.
Psychologist Chivonna Childs from the Cleveland Clinic noted that many people have a habit of sleeping with the TV on, which can impact sleep quality.
"People sleeping with the TV on is a very common thing," Childs said.
She explained that TVs do not have blue light filters like cell phones do, which can negatively affect sleep.
"The blue light kind of reminds us of the sun, so it disrupts our circadian rhythms," she added.
Childs emphasized that having the TV on can also interfere with REM sleep, the stage where most dreaming occurs.
"That's when we have that restless kind of sleep that we go into, and we may be sleeping, quote-unquote, but we're waking up and we're not rested," she said.
To break this bedtime habit, Childs recommends practicing good sleep hygiene.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as well as afternoon naps. Instead, she suggests caffeine-free tea to help prepare for sleep.
Creating a calming bedtime ritual, such as reading a book or dimming the lights, can also be beneficial, Childs said.
If background noise is necessary, Childs suggests using a sleep mask to block out TV light or setting a timer for the TV to turn off after an hour or two. Listening to a radio, podcast, or soothing sleep music can also help.
There are even apps available that guide users in meditation before bed.
"You can train yourself to go to sleep without your TV," Childs said.
For a consistent sleep routine, Childs advises waking up and going to bed at the same times each day, even on weekends.
She also suggests that the bedroom should be a sanctuary, used only for sleep and relaxation.
English (US)