Back when TVs were new technology, they were installed primarily in living rooms where families could enjoy the nightly news while spending quality time together. Over the years TVs have made their way into practically every room of the house, from kitchens and bathrooms to offices and play rooms. In many homes, they have even crept their way into the bedroom. While having a TV in the bedroom may seem like a good idea at first, there are plenty of reasons you might want to think about putting it elsewhere. Here are just a few to consider.
Sleep Disturbances
Having a TV in the bedroom might seem like a good way to lull yourself off to a peaceful sleep but, in reality, quite the opposite is true. As your brain revs up and is stimulated by television, electrical activity increases and neurons start to race—the exact opposite of what should be happening before you go to sleep. On top of that, the physical act of responding to a video game makes your body tense. To complicate things even further, the light given off by electronic devices hinders the release of melatonin (the sleep activating hormone) in the body.
Relationship Blocker
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or are just starting out in something new, having a TV in the bedroom can really throw a wrench into relationships. Sure, it can be relaxing to curl up and watch a movie together, but you can always do that in the living room before heading to bed. If the TV is on, people tend to talk to each other less. When both members of a couple work long hours, they may not have a lot of time to catch up with each other. This “catching up” is often done in the bedroom, and a TV can be a distraction. Of course, as you might have guessed, couples also tend to spend less time being intimate when there’s a TV in the bedroom.
If you’re single, having the TV in the bedroom means you’ll probably spend less time on yourself. People need time to wind down and consider their days and things to come in the future. TVs cause people to tune out, but don’t really allow them to focus inward.
Space Taker
Like other objects, TVs take up room and they don’t really look right in an otherwise restful space. Among the fluffy pillows and cozy blankets, a bulky TV taking up space on a dresser or mounted on the wall can seem out of place. Many people long for more room in the bedroom and the TV is just one more thing eating away at that open area. Clutter can be very stressful and who wants to be stressed in the bedroom?
Morning Distraction
Some people with TVs in the bedroom like to wake up to the news or a favorite morning show. This early morning viewing, however, can take time away from a more productive morning routine. As such, having a TV in the bedroom can lead to more stressful starts to the day as you rush to get ready for work, having spent too much time watching the tube instead of eating breakfast or getting dressed for work.
Reading Rival
Reading in bed can be very relaxing and is a wonderful way to transition to sleep. It also helps keep us informed and expands thinking. Watching TV in the bedroom often cuts into reading time. Taking the TV out of the bedroom may very well encourage you to pick up a book or two.
Watching TV can be fun and entertaining, but it definitely has its place. As you can see, there are a whole host of benefits to keeping the TV out of the bedroom. If you remove the TV from your bedroom, you may just discover a few benefits beyond this list.
