Falling asleep in front of the TV is something that many of us do on a regular basis. Whether you’re watching something you’ve seen a thousand times, or you’re easily lulled by the droning of background noise, the lure of giving into those heavy eyelids while you’re in front of a screen can be all too much!
But is it doing you more harm than good?
Firstly, it’s important to look at the body’s natural circadian rhythm, your internal body clock that responds to exposure to light. Blue light from electronic devices such as TVs can affect this natural rhythm, so it is important to limit exposure to screens in the evenings to prevent your body from thinking that it’s time to be awake.
This is because exposure to blue light can supress melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating your sleep/wake cycle. The more light you are exposed to, the higher the chances that you will delay your sleep onset and cause your sleep pattern to be disrupted.
However, studies show that falling asleep in front of the TV can affect more than your natural circadian rhythm. Research indicates that falling asleep with the TV on can be a big risk factor for weight gain and obesity. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analysed data from more than 43,000 women and found that actively reducing your exposure to artificial light in the evenings can be an extremely beneficial way to prevent obesity and weight gain issues.
If you’re so used to falling asleep in front of the TV that it has become a sleeping aid, then there are a few tricks you can use to fall asleep without it.
- Use a white noise machine
Usually, the main reason why people find themselves nodding off in front of the TV is because of the ambient background noise. It this is a trigger for you, invest in a white noise machine to mimic the effects of the TV.
- Listen to guided meditations
Guided meditations are another way of falling asleep while listening to something relaxing. Play them through a smart pillow to get the benefits of ambient noise without the interference of blue light.
- Read a book
Reding in bed is a sure-fire way of making yourself feel sleepy, so break the books out and introduce a reading hour before you go to sleep.
If you would like to find out more about how a REM-Fit Mattress, REM-Fit Sleep Monitoring technology or REM-Fit Pillows can help you to get a better night’s rest, please get in touch with our experienced, knowledgeable staff by calling 020 8731 0020 or email us via sales@rem-fit.co.uk.
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