health
March 4, 2026
How Sleeping with the TV On Harms Your Health
Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining health, but many people have the habit of falling asleep with the TV on. Although it may seem to help them fall asleep easier, experts generally warn that this practice is not recommended. Screens emit blue light, which is linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
TL;DR
- Sleeping with the TV on can lead to sleep deprivation by making it harder to stop watching or by the sound keeping you awake.
- Blue light from screens reduces melatonin production, making it difficult for the body to transition to sleep.
- The brain remains overstimulated by the sounds and visuals, resulting in lighter, more restless sleep.
- Lack of quality sleep is linked to various health risks like high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.
- A 2019 study found a link between sleeping with artificial light (like from a TV) and increased risk of weight gain, even if sleep quality isn't perceived as worse.
- For some, background TV noise can be a calming 'lesser evil' compared to not sleeping at all, but it's still not ideal.
- The blue light effect might be weaker if the TV is further away than a phone or tablet.
- Familiar and comforting content might offer relaxation and help signal to the brain that it's time to wind down.
Continue reading the original article