Whether you’re unwinding after a long day at the office or binge-watching the latest Netflix blockbuster, watching TV in bed is part of many of our daily routines.
But have you ever thought about how this bedtime habit could be impacting your health?
In this article, the experts at TV Bed address the possible physical and mental effects of watching TV in bed, and share some top tips to make your viewing experience cosier than ever!
How can watching TV before bed impact sleep?
It’s no secret that watching TV in bed can negatively impact your quality of sleep by delaying melatonin production and, potentially, disrupting your sleep cycle.
The blue light emitted by screens, which includes smartphones, tablets, computer monitors, and even some gaming consoles, as well as TVs, can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for you to fall and stay asleep.
It’s not just this that can make it harder to drift off, though, and the content you’re viewing itself may also be having an impact. An action movie, for example, with its tense, exciting scenes, increases mental and emotional arousal, which can further delay sleep onset.
Physical health concerns
More than just your sleep quality can be compromised by late-night screen time, and watching TV in bed can pose a range of possible physical health concerns, including:
- Eye strain – Watching TV on a bright screen in the dark can cause significant eye strain and discomfort.
- Headaches and migraines – Excessive screen time, especially in low light, can trigger headaches and migraines.
- Neck and back pain – Improper posture in bed while watching TV can place significant strain on your neck and back muscles, potentially leading to pain.
- Weight gain – This may seem like a stretch, but watching TV in bed excessively can result in weight gain. How? Spending excessive time in bed watching TV can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and encourage late-night snacking, both of which are closely linked to weight gain.
Mental and emotional effects
Your late-night viewing could also be taking a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, too, and in a number of ways.
These can include:
- Anxiety and racing thoughts – The content you’re watching on TV, particularly emotionally charged or suspenseful programs, can trigger anxiety and make it harder to calm your mind before sleep.
- Depression and low mood – Research suggests that excessive TV viewing, especially as a passive, unstimulating activity, may be linked to a higher risk of depression.
- Social isolation – Spending excessive time watching TV, particularly in bed, can often lead to decreased social interaction, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
How can a TV bed help improve bedtime viewing?
Watching TV sounds like a no-go, right?
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. So don’t force yourself into breaking the habit just yet!
By making a few small adjustments to your setup and being strict with your evening screentime, you can still enjoy your favourite movies and TV shows whilst prioritising your health and comfort. And a TV bed is just one of the ways you can do this.
Offering the perfect blend of comfort and entertainment, a TV bed transforms relaxation. At the push of a button, your screen rises effortlessly from the footboard and retracts when you’re done with built-in safety shutdowns.
To create the perfect viewing angle, so as not to place unnecessary strain on your neck and back, make sure you choose a TV that fits your chosen bed frame, so the screen sits comfortably within six to seven feet of your eyes without overwhelming your vision and causing eye strain, headaches, and other issues.
Pair your new bed with soft, supportive duvets, pillows, and blankets, as well as ambient lighting to reduce glare, and you’re good to go. Movie nights have never been so cosy!
Need expert advice?
Whether you need help improving your setup for sleep or would like to find out more about the range of TV beds, the TV Bed specialists are are available and more than happy to assist you.
Contact TV Bed today by calling 01942 718471 or emailing [email protected], and you’ll get a response to your enquiry as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can order your TV bed, along with any pillows and bedding you need, online for convenient home delivery. Or visit their Haydock showroom to browse the TV Bed range in person and benefit from the in-house expertise.