Breaking the Habit: The Impact of Sleeping with the TV On

Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Aura Health Team
Written by
Aura Health Team
Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.
Breaking the Habit: The Impact of Sleeping with the TV OnBreaking the Habit: The Impact of Sleeping with the TV On
Key Takeaways

Do you often find yourself drifting off to sleep with the comforting glow of the television in the background? If so, you are not alone. Many people have established the habit of falling asleep with the TV on, but have you ever stopped to consider the impact it may be having on your sleep quality and overall well-being? In this article, we will delve into the psychology behind this habit, explore the effects of blue light on sleep, discuss the role of noise in sleep disturbances, and even take a look at the energy consumption and environmental impact of leaving the TV on overnight. Let's break the habit and discover healthier alternatives for a restful night's sleep.

How are you feeling?
Search below to see if we have a meditation or wellness track for whatever you’re feeling. Just enter your mood and take our short quiz.
Topics
Angry
Fearful
Abundance
Grateful
Tired
Restless
Motivated
Great
Okay
Acceptance and Commitment
Affirmations
Anger
Astrology
Attachments
Balance Emotions
Bedtime
Bible Story
Bible Talks
Binaural
Body Acceptance
Body Scan
Burnout
Calm
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Communication
Compassion
Confidence
Couples Sex Issues
Courage
Depression
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Discipline
Diversity
Divorce
Emotional Intelligence
Empathy
Energy Healing
Equity and Inclusion
Fear
Food Freedom
Gratitude
Grief
Grounding
Positivity & Happiness
Recovery & Healing
Health
Health Coaching
Hope
Hypnosis
Infidelity
Insomnia
Intimacy
Kids
Law Of Attraction
Leadership
Letting Go
Lgbtq
Life Advice
Life Coaching
Anxiety
Confidence & Self-esteem
Motivation & Passion
Relationships
Life Coaching Sleep
Stress
Personal Growth & Success
Transition
Life Lessons
Loss
Love
Loving Kindness
Manifesting
Marriage
Meaning
Meditation Story
Meditative
Learn Mindfulness
Mindset
Moticational
Motivation
Delightful
Dreamy
Energetic
Focus
Epic
Ethereal
Fun
Gloomy
Happy
Heart Warming
Hopeful
Inspiring
Joyful
Melancholic
Mellow
Optimistic
Playful
Powerful
Reflective
Relaxation
Relaxing
Sad
Serene
Sleep
Soaring
Somber
Soothing
Tranquil
Upbeat
Uplifting
Nature Sounds
Nutrition
Pain
Parenting
Peace
Performance
Personal Growth
Pleasure
Positive Emotions
Positive Psychology
Positivity
Prayer
Pregnancy
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Reiki
Relax
Release Negativity
Remote Work
Resilience
Self Acceptance
Self Awareness
Self Care
Self Esteem
Self Regulation
Confidence & Self-Love
Sexuality
Restful Sleep
Smoking
Sobriety
Social Skills
Solfeggio
Somatics
Sound Bath
Spirit Guides
Spirituality
Story
Strengths
Reduce Stress
Substance Use
Success
Tapping
Throat Chakra
Tough Conversations
Transformational
Uncertainty
Visualization
Weight Loss
Work
Work Languages
Work Values
Workplace Wellness
Yoga & Movement
Yoga Nidra
Zen
Centered
Content
Fulfilled
Patient
Peaceful
Present
Relaxed
Trusting
Agitated
Aggravated
Bitter
Contempt
Cynical
Disdain
Disgruntled
Disturbed
Edgy
Exasperated
Frustrated
Furious
Grouchy
Hostile
Impatient
Irritated
Irate
Moody
On edge
Outraged
Pissed
Resentful
Upset
Vindictive
Amazed
Awe
Bliss
Delighted
Eager
Ecstatic
Enchanted
Energized
Engaged
Enthusiastic
Excited
Free
Inspired
Invigorated
Lively
Passionate
Radiant
Refreshed
Rejuvenated
Renewed
Satisfied
Thrilled
Vibrant
Adventurous
Brave
Capable
Confident
Daring
Determined
Grounded
Proud
Strong
Worthy
Valiant
Accepting
Affectionate
Caring
Safe
Warm
Curious
Exploring
Fascinated
Interested
Intrigued
Involved
Stimulated
Anguish
Depressed
Despondent
Disappointed
Discouraged
Forlorn
Heartbroken
Hopeless
Lonely
Longing
Melancholy
Sorrow
Teary
Unhappy
Weary
Yearning
Aloof
Bored
Confused
Distant
Empty
Indifferent
Isolated
Lethargic
Listless
Removed
Resistant
Shut Down
Uneasy
Withdrawn
Ashamed
Humiliated
Inhibited
Mortified
Self - conscious
Useless
Weak
Worthless
Afraid
Anxious
Apprehensive
Frightened
Hesitant
Nervous
Panic
Paralyzed
Scared
Terrified
Worried
Helpless
Sensitive
Appreciative
Blessed
Fortunate
Grace
Humbled
Lucky
Moved
Thankful
Touched
Regret
Remorseful
Sorry
Encouraged
Expectant
Impotent
Incapable
Resigned
Trapped
Victim
Loving
Self - loving
Vulnerable
Burned out
Cranky
Depleted
Exhausted
Frazzled
Overwhelm
Rattled
Rejecting
Shaken
Tight
Worn out
Concerned
Dissatisfied
Perplexed
Questioning
Reluctant
Shocked
Skeptical
Suspicious
Ungrounded
Unsure
Achy
Airy
Blocked
Breathless
Bruised
Burning
Buzzy
Clammy
Clenched
Cold
Constricted
Contained
Contracted
Dizzy
Drained
Dull
Electric
Expanded
Flowing
Fluid
Fluttery
Frozen
Full
Gentle
Hard
Heavy
Hollow
Hot
Icy
Itchy
Jumpy
Knotted
Light
Loose
Nauseous
Numb
Pounding
Prickly
Pulsing
Queasy
Radiating
Releasing
Rigid
Settled
Shaky
Shivery
Slow
Smooth
Soft
Sore
Spacey
Spacious
Sparkly
Stiff
Still
Suffocated
Sweaty
Tender
Tense
Throbbing
Tingling
Trembly
Twitchy
Vibrating
Wobbly
Wooden
Topics
Sleep
Topics
Anxiety
Content type
Affirmations
ASMR
Breathwork
Diversity and Inclusion
Emotional Intelligence
Energy Healing
Health Coaching
Hypnosis
Life Coaching
Masterclass
Mindfulness
Motivation
Music
Personal Story
Podcast
Poem
Positive Psychology
Prayer
Intimacy & Relationships
Healing Sound
Soundscape
Spirituality
Story
CBT
Work Wellness
Track length
< 5 min
5-10 min
10-20 min
20-45 min
45+ min
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1000+
Tracks for you based on your preferences
Get unlimited access to 20,000+ meditations, sleep, and wellness tracks on Aura
Whats included
Fall asleep faster, reduce stress and anxiety, and find peace every day
Exclusive content from top mindfulness experts, psychologists, and therapists
Join live sessions & connect with the community
New content added every week
Lets personalize your experience

Understanding the Habit of Sleeping with the TV On

Before we dig deeper, it's important to understand why so many people engage in this habit. The reasons can vary from person to person, but the psychology behind it offers some interesting insights.

One reason why people may choose to sleep with the TV on is the soothing effect it can have. Have you ever noticed that the sound of a television can be comforting? For some individuals, having the TV on acts as a form of white noise that helps them relax and fall asleep. The gentle hum of voices and background music can create a sense of tranquility in the bedroom, making it easier to drift off into slumber. It provides a sense of companionship, creating a feeling of safety and comfort. This may be because it mimics the presence of another person in the room, eliminating feelings of loneliness or fear.

Another reason why people may opt for sleeping with the TV on is to drown out any other disruptive sounds around them. Whether it's noisy neighbors, traffic outside, or even the snoring of a partner, having the TV on can act as a shield against these disturbances. The constant stream of sound from the television can serve as a buffer, creating a cocoon of audio that helps block out unwanted noise and promotes a peaceful sleep environment.

But it's not just about the sound. Watching television before bed can also help distract the mind from stressful thoughts or worries. Many individuals find that engaging in a captivating TV show or movie can take their minds off the challenges of the day, allowing them to unwind and relax. This mental diversion can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with anxiety or racing thoughts at night. By focusing on the storyline unfolding on the screen, they can redirect their attention away from their own concerns and ease into a more restful state.

It's worth noting that while sleeping with the TV on may have its benefits for some, it can also have drawbacks. The light emitted by the television screen can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and achieve restorative sleep. Additionally, the content being watched can impact the quality of sleep. Engaging in stimulating or intense shows before bed may lead to heightened arousal and difficulty in winding down.

Understanding the habit of sleeping with the TV on requires considering the various factors at play. From the psychological need for companionship and relaxation to the desire for a distraction from external noise and worries, each individual's reasons may differ. Ultimately, it's important to find a balance that promotes both a peaceful sleep environment and healthy sleep habits.

The Impact of Blue Light on Sleep Quality

Now that we have explored the psychology behind the habit, let's delve into the impact that sleeping with the TV on can have on our sleep quality. One key factor to consider is the presence of blue light emitted from the screen.

How Blue Light Affects the Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm is our body's natural sleep-wake cycle, and exposure to blue light, especially in the evening, can disrupt this delicate balance. Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. So, when we expose ourselves to the blue light emitted by the TV screen, our bodies may become confused, thinking it's still daytime and making it more difficult to fall asleep.

The Correlation Between Blue Light and Insomnia

Research has shown a correlation between increased exposure to blue light and insomnia. Studies have found that individuals who are exposed to blue light before bed experience a delay in the onset of sleep, reduced sleep efficiency, and overall poor sleep quality. So, if you find yourself struggling with insomnia, it may be worth considering the impact of the blue light emitted by your TV.

The Role of Noise in Sleep Disturbances

We've touched on the psychological aspects of sleeping with the TV on, but another important factor to consider is the role of noise in sleep disturbances. While the background noise can be soothing for some, it can have adverse effects on others.

The Effect of Background Noise on Sleep Patterns

Recent data shows that even low levels of noise can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fragmented and restless nights. While some may be able to tune out the noise from the TV and fall asleep peacefully, others may experience interruptions throughout the night due to sudden changes in the volume or the content of what's being watched. This can result in a poorer quality of sleep and leave you feeling less refreshed in the morning.

Noise Pollution and Its Impact on Health

We often overlook the impact of noise pollution on our health, but it can be significant. Continuous exposure to noise can lead to increased stress levels, elevated blood pressure, and disrupted sleep patterns. By breaking the habit of sleeping with the TV on, you can reduce your exposure to noise pollution and promote a healthier sleep environment, ultimately improving your overall well-being.

aura_ring
Is Aura right for you?Take our quiz to find out.

Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact

Aside from the personal impact of sleeping with the TV on, it's important to consider the broader environmental implications of this habit.

The Hidden Cost of Leaving the TV On Overnight

Leaving the TV on overnight may seem harmless, but it can have a considerable impact on your energy consumption and utility bills. Televisions consume energy even when they are in standby mode, contributing to unnecessary energy wastage. By making a conscious effort to turn off the TV before sleep, you can reduce your energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint by Turning Off the TV

In addition to the monetary savings, turning off the TV when you go to sleep can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Conserving energy directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, helping to mitigate climate change and protect the environment for future generations. By making small changes in our daily lives, such as breaking the habit of sleeping with the TV on, we can play our part in creating a more sustainable world.

Strategies for Breaking the Habit

Now that we've explored the impact of sleeping with the TV on, it's time to discuss strategies for breaking this habit and establishing a healthier routine.

Establishing a Healthy Bedtime Routine

On the other hand, developing a healthy bedtime routine can make all the difference. Create a peaceful sleep environment by dimming the lights, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and avoiding the use of electronic devices before bed. Instead of falling asleep to the TV, consider listening to calming music, reading a book, or using a sleep app, such as the Aura Health App, to guide you into a restful night's sleep.

Alternatives to TV for Falling Asleep

Despite that, if the habit of sleeping with the TV on is hard to break, consider exploring alternative methods for falling asleep. White noise machines, soothing nature sounds, or gentle music can provide the same sense of comfort without the negative impact of blue light or noise disruptions. Experiment with different options to find what works best for you and supports a more rejuvenating sleep experience.

In conclusion, breaking the habit of sleeping with the TV on can have a positive impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being. By understanding the psychology behind the habit, considering the effects of blue light and noise disruptions, and being mindful of the environmental impact, you can make small changes in your routine to promote restful and rejuvenating sleep. So, why not start tonight? Turn off the TV, embrace a calming sleep environment, and discover the beautiful benefits of a peaceful night's sleep.

Discover a more tranquil sleep experience with the Aura Health App. Let its soothing sounds and guided sleep meditations help you unwind and drift into a restful slumber. Start your journey towards better sleep today!

Aura is Your All In One App for Meditation, Mindfulness Wellbeing

Find peace every day with one app for your whole well-being. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental well-being. Aura is the first all-in-one wellness app that learns how to best help you. Discover an endless library of expert-created tracks for your well-being, all taught by the world’s best coaches, therapists, and storytellers. With Aura's personalized recommendations, you can find peace every morning, day and night.

Aura Health Team

Aura Health is a community of hundreds of top coaches, therapists, and storytellers worldwide. We are here to provide the world’s most extensive, personalized collection of mental wellness content & services.

January 2, 2024
Sleep

The best sleep of your life is just the start

From meditations to stories to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), find everything you need for your wellbeing in one app.

Most popular in Meditation
Most popular in Story
Most popular in Hypnosis
Most popular in Coaching
Most popular in Therapy
Most popular in Prayer
Most popular in ASMR
Most popular in Health coaching
Most popular in Breathwork
Most popular in Work Wellness
Most popular in Music
Most popular in Sounds
Preview
0:00
0:00
No items found.
ASMR Sleep Hypnosis: A Guide to Better Sleep
July 1, 2023

ASMR Sleep Hypnosis: A Guide to Better Sleep

Discover the soothing world of ASMR sleep hypnosis and unlock the secrets to achieving a better night's sleep.

Read More
Puja in Transcendental Meditation: Rituals and Significance
December 19, 2023

Puja in Transcendental Meditation: Rituals and Significance

Discover the beauty and significance of Puja in Transcendental Meditation with our in-depth article.

Read More
10 Self Confidence Affirmations to Boost Your Self-Esteem
July 1, 2023

10 Self Confidence Affirmations to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Discover 10 powerful self-confidence affirmations that will help you boost your self-esteem and unleash your true potential.

Read More
7 Good Bedtime Stories for Adults to Enjoy
July 1, 2023

7 Good Bedtime Stories for Adults to Enjoy

Discover a collection of 7 captivating bedtime stories specifically crafted for adults.

Read More
The Solfeggio Frequency 528Hz
July 1, 2023

The Solfeggio Frequency 528Hz

Discover the incredible benefits of Solfeggio Frequency 528Hz and how it can enhance your well-being.

Read More
Clonazepam for Sleep: Benefits and Risks
July 1, 2023

Clonazepam for Sleep: Benefits and Risks

Discover the benefits and risks of using Clonazepam for sleep in this informative article.

Read More
How to Meditate Before Bed: Meditations to Fall Asleep Faster
July 8, 2024

How to Meditate Before Bed: Meditations to Fall Asleep Faster

Falling sleep isn't easy, but with mindfulness and meditation you can find a pathway to more restful slumber.

Read More
Self-Reflection: Balancing Self-Worth and Self-Obsession
November 3, 2023

Self-Reflection: Balancing Self-Worth and Self-Obsession

Discover the delicate art of self-reflection and learn how to strike a harmonious balance between self-worth and self-obsession.

Read More
1222 Angel Number Meaning - Why You’re Seeing It and What You Need To Know
February 6, 2024

1222 Angel Number Meaning - Why You’re Seeing It and What You Need To Know

Discover the profound significance of the 1222 angel number and unravel why it keeps appearing in your life.

Read More

Stay Updated: Get the latest from Aura's Mindfulness Blog

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.