Drifting off to sleep can be a wonderful experience, especially after a long or stressful day and as the temperature drops. However, a significant number of people may be depriving themselves of the additional sleep they need, causing them to struggle when the morning alarm rings, due to a seemingly harmless habit at night.
The definition of “enough sleep” varies from individual to individual, as there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation. Each person’s body has unique requirements for proper rest and recovery during the night, contrary to common beliefs.
According to the NHS, adults typically need between seven and nine hours of sleep, while children and teenagers require more sleep based on their age. The NHS also suggests that a persistent feeling of tiredness during the day indicates insufficient sleep, which may be attributed to a common habit disrupting sleep patterns in both adults and children.
In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves watching TV as they unwind before bed, a habit that may seem harmless but can actually hinder falling asleep and lead to a cycle of fatigue.
Although exact statistics on TV presence in UK bedrooms are not available, recent surveys indicate that a significant portion of TV owners have TVs in their bedrooms. Reports from Dreams and Bensons for Beds suggest that more than half of Britons have TVs in their bedrooms, making it a popular location for TV viewing.
The NHS warns that watching TV before bed can stimulate the brain with light, sound, and motion, disrupting the body’s natural sleep routine and reducing the ability to fall asleep easily. Therefore, removing the TV from the bedroom is advised to improve sleep quality.
Research indicates that having a TV in the bedroom is associated with negative consequences, including increased screen time, poor sleep quality, higher rates of childhood obesity, and lower academic performance, particularly in children.
Dr. Hana Patel, a sleep expert at Time4Sleep, recommends establishing good habits if keeping the TV in the bedroom is unavoidable. She suggests turning off the TV at least thirty minutes before bedtime to allow the mind to relax and watching visually and audibly calming programs, such as nature documentaries with soothing sounds, if relying on TV for falling asleep.
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