The Truth About Screen Time Before Bed Time

At TV Beds Northwest, we love nothing more than kicking back in a luxurious TV bed, unwinding with our favourite shows. A good series, a cosy duvet, and the perfect setup—it’s what dreams are made of. But what about the effects of screen time before bedtime? Is watching TV before bed really that bad? Let’s break it down.

Why Is It Bad to Watch TV Before Bed?

Watching TV in bed (and of course, owning a TV Bed) is one of life’s great comforts, but too much screen time before bed can disrupt sleep quality. The main culprit? Blue light. Digital screens — whether from TVs, tablets, or phones — emit blue light that can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone that helps regulate sleep.

Melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening, making us feel drowsy. However, exposure to blue light signals to the brain that it’s still daytime, delaying melatonin release and making it harder to fall asleep. This can lead to difficulty drifting off, restless nights, and feeling groggy in the morning. If you have ever felt over stimulated before bed time because you were on the phone, too much blue light is the reason why. 

How Does Screen time Before Bed Affect Sleep?

But it’s not just about blue light. Here are some other ways screen time before bedtime might be messing with your sleep:

1. Mental Stimulation

A tense thriller or a gripping documentary can leave your brain racing just when it should be winding down. High-intensity TV shows or scrolling social media before bed can keep your mind active, making it harder to relax and switch off.

2. Delayed Bedtime

Ever thought, Just one more episode? We’ve all been there. Binge-watching can push bedtime later and reduce overall sleep time, leading to sleep deprivation.

3. Reduced Sleep Quality

Even if you doze off with the TV on, studies suggest that background noise and flickering light can disrupt deeper sleep cycles, leaving you feeling less refreshed the next day.

So, Should You Stop Watching TV in Bed?

Absolutely not! We’d never tell you to give up your favourite TV bed experience. But, like most things in life, moderation is key. Here’s how to strike the perfect balance:

Tips for Watching TV in Bed Without Ruining Sleep

Limit screen time an hour before bed – If possible, wind down with a book or a podcast instead. Most of our TV Beds now come with speakers and are Bluetooth enabled so you can stream some gentle music or listen to an audiobook - TV Beds now are more like Smart Beds. 

Use a sleep timer – Set your TV to switch off automatically so it’s not playing all night.

Adjust brightness & use night mode – Many smart TVs now have blue light filters or night-time modes to reduce strain.

Pick the right show – Avoid action-packed or emotionally intense shows right before sleep. Opt for calming content instead - perhaps try 'Friends' and not 'Fast & Furious 10'. 

At TV Beds Northwest, we believe in comfort, convenience, and a great night’s sleep. A TV bed is a fantastic way to unwind, but being mindful of your screen time — especially before bed — can help you wake up feeling fresher. So, settle in, enjoy your favourite shows, but remember to give your eyes and brain a break when bedtime calls.