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Is it bad to sleep with a TV on?
Falling asleep with the TV on might feel like the easiest way to unwind, but it’s not always the best move for your night’s rest. The good news is, there are lots of other things you can do without hitting your health or your wallet.
Falling asleep with the TV on? Here’s what you need to know
We’ve all done it. You hit play on “just one episode”, and suddenly it’s 3am and the TV's still on. It feels cosy at the time but leaving it running all night isn’t doing you many favours. From patchy sleep to higher bills, it can quietly cause more hassle than you might expect.
Let’s break it down and look at a few easy ways to keep that wind-down feeling, without the drawbacks.
Why sleeping with your TV on isn't ideal
It can mess with your sleep
TV screens give off blue light, which can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime. That means less melatonin and more tossing and turning. Throw in sudden loud moments and your sleep gets even more interrupted.
It bumps up your bills
Leaving the TV on overnight might seem harmless, but it soon adds up. Bigger screens use more power, even on lower brightness, so you could be spending more than you need to.
It's not great for the environment (or your TV)
More energy use means a bigger carbon footprint. Running your TV for hours on end can also wear it out faster, with parts staying warm and working for longer than they need to.
It can affect your wellbeing
Too much screen time late at night isn’t ideal for switching off. Even low levels of light while you sleep can impact rest and long-term health.
How to watch smarter
If bedtime TV is your thing, a few small tweaks can make a big difference:
Set a sleep timer
Let your TV switch itself off once you’ve drifted off. No late-night wakeups, no wasted energy. Easy win. If you like this feature, lots of TVs now come with built-in sleep timers as standard
Try an audio-only alternative
If it’s the sound you love, not the screen, there are better ways to drift off.
Smart speakers
Play white noise, calming sounds or a playlist, then set a timer with a smart speaker for sleep. No glow, just background noise done right.
Audiobooks
A good story can help you switch off without the stimulation of a screen. Ideal for winding down properly.
Sound therapy devices
Sound therapy devices are great for instant relaxation, offering calming sounds at the press of a button, minus the bright display.
The key to sweeter dreams
That’s how a few simple swaps can make all the difference, helping you rest better without giving up your routine. Get it right and you’ll wake up feeling fresher, spend less on energy, and keep your TV in top shape for longer. Sounds like a win all round.
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