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TV Mythbusting
We've taken some of the most common TV myths and broken them down, so you can understand what really matters for your viewing habits
Don’t sit so close, you’ll get square eyes!” We’ve all heard it. But is it true, or just one of those things parents said to get the remote back? Let’s sort the facts from the fiction and show you a few easy ways to keep your telly time smart, comfy and stress free, or explore more TV & entertainment hub.
Do you really get square eyes from watching TV?
The short answer is no, your eyes are safe. However, too much screen time can mess with your peepers, so it's always worth taking a break every so often.
Here's what is actually going on.
Eyes can feel tired or strained
Staring at a screen for long stretches makes your eye muscles work overtime. That can leave your eyes feeling achy, heavy or a bit blurry by the end of a binge session.
You blink less
Normally, you blink a lot without even knowing it, but that can stop when you’re glued to the TV. That means your eyes aren’t getting the moisture they need, which can lead to dryness, irritation and that “something’s in my eye” feeling.
Blue light can make it harder to wind down
Screens give off blue light, which can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. That makes it harder to feel sleepy and properly switch off.
How to watch smarter
Sit at a sensible distance
Aim for about 1.5x your screen size. That gives your eyes enough room to relax since sitting too close forces your eyes to work harder. Getting your TV in the right position can help too.
Try the 20-20-20 trick
Every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a quick reset that helps your eye muscles relax after focusing on a screen for too long.
Use blue light filters
If your TV has a night mode or comfort setting, it’s well worth popping it on, especially in the evening. They can reduce the amount of blue light the screen gives off, making it gentler on your eyes and helping your brain wind down.
Can toothpaste fix a cracked TV screen?
We wish, but this one’s a hard no. Toothpaste might freshen your breath, but it’s more likely to make things worse.
Here's what to do instead:
Skip the DIY fixes
It might be tempting to try a quick hack, but TV screens are very delicate. Rubbing or applying anything to a cracked panel can (and probably will) make things much worse.
Get professional repair advice
It’s normally best to let the experts take a look. They can assess whether it’s repairable or not and recommend the safest way to fix it.
If it’s beyond saving
Sometimes a repair just isn’t worth it, and that could be your cue for something new. Not exactly the outcome you wanted, but not necessarily a bad one either. Just think of it as an excuse to upgrade to a bigger, better, brighter screen with the latest features
Where do TV remotes actually go
The sofa black hole
This is the number one culprit, no contest. Remotes have a habit of slipping down the side or getting wedged deep between cushions, quietly vanishing from sight
Unhelpful humans
Kids, guests, housemates – even you. Someone picks it up just for a second and sets it down somewhere random. No one remembers doing it, and suddenly you’re all on a full-blown hunt.
The “I’ll just leave it here” moments
You pop it on the kitchen counter while making a brew, leave it on the windowsill for a second, or take it upstairs and forget all about it. Out of sight, out of mind.
The dog
If your remote’s gone missing and looks a bit worse for wear when it finally turns up, there’s a good chance your dog was involved. If it’s got teeth marks, case closed.
How to stop playing hide-and-seek
- Give your remote a permanent home and stick to it
- Pop it in a bright case or add some stickers so it’s easier to spot
- Keep it out of the dog’s line of sight where it's easy for them to spot it
If you fall asleep with the TV on, does your brain still hear it?
Yep, even when you’re out cold, your brain’s still half-listening. Here’s why that matters.
- During lighter sleep, dialogue and sudden noises can wake you up or disrupt your rest
- Even in deeper sleep, loud sounds can interrupt important REM cycles
- You're left feeling less refreshed and groggy
Find out exactly how falling asleep with the TV on impacts your sleep cycle
How to wind down without the downsides
Love a bit of background noise at bedtime? No problem. Just change how you go about it.
Set a sleep timer
Let your TV switch itself off once you’ve done the same. It’s a simple way to avoid waking up to a glaring screen at 3am, and it saves energy too. Just set it up, get comfy, and let your telly handle the rest, especially if you're using a modern TV with built-in sleep timers like these.
Try audio instead
Audiobooks
Great for a cosy-wind down.
Podcasts
Allows you to listen without the bright screen.
The bottom line
A lot of TV “rules” are more myth than must. But a few simple swaps can go a long way. Watch a bit smarter, give your eyes a break, and keep your setup working for you, not against you. And if your remote’s gone missing again, you’ll know where to look.
