Sleep Myth Monday: Television Before Bed

This is the latest installment of a regular feature here at SleepBetter.org: Sleep Myth Monday, where we bust sleep myths wide open, or verify that they’re actually not myths at all.

Myth or Truth: Watching TV right before bed may actually keep you from sleeping well.

TRUTH

Activities involving electronic “screens” like televisions, tablet computers, regular computers, and smartphones can have a very negative impact on your sleep when used right before bedtime.  Not only do they keep your brain working at a time when it should be winding down, the type of light emitted by them can activate your brain and make it think it’s time to wake up, not go to sleep.  It’s best to turn the screens off an hour or so before bedtime.  Instead, read an old-fashioned paper book or magazine, or listen to calming music.