Television and Your Sleep

I going to tell you something that you might not want to hear.

But if you want to get rid of your insomnia and start sleeping again you need to hear this.

I know you would rather hear it straight so that's what I'm going to do.

I know watching favorite television shows or a really great movie is a lot of people's idea of how to unwind and relax after a long day. After getting home and having dinner they look forward to a night of entertainment.

Which is great until it's time to go to bed.

After a few hours of watching television, a lot of people are left restless and unable to fall asleep when they finally go to bed.

The next few hours may be spent tossing and turning and getting little or no sleep.

This is what happens when you watch something exciting or thrilling on TV... your adrenaline gets pumped up, making it difficult to calm down to the point where sleep comes easily. Your mind is also spinning with thoughts and quieting them down can be very difficult. Especially if you've just watched something that was too exciting or upsetting.

This is a very common source of insomnia that no one ever thinks about. You just don't think of insomnia as being caused by what you do in the evening. It's much easier and more common to blame work issues or other worries.

While other types of stresses can certainly contribute to sleeplessness, going to bed with a stimulated mind caused by television viewing choices happens more often than you think.

That's because television has a direct affect on your emotions.

If you just watched a great horror movie right before bed, your heart has been racing and your mind has been stimulated to the point where falling sleep right away may be almost impossible.

If you think your TV viewing habits may be causing your sleep problems, finding a new activity before bedtime may be the answer to getting a good nights sleep. Here are some great alternatives you can try:

1. Read a book or a magazine.
Read something interesting but that will also help you relax.

2. Play a board or card game with your family.
Spending time with loved ones is a perfect way to wind down your day.

3. Take a warm bath.
Immersing your body in a tub full of warm water helps to relax your muscles and soothes your body.

4. Take a walk.
Just don't do strenuous exercise - it can keep you awake as well!

Spend your time before bed doing something relaxing that allows you to calm down and prepare your body for a full night's rest. Stimulating activities are better left to earlier in the day when you want - and need - to be wide awake.

In Jenelle Jordyn's book "Natural Sleep Made Simple", she discusses numerous ways you can transition into a more "sleep-friendly" state at the end of each day.

By combining one or more of her simple strategies, you could be sleeping better each night and wake up with more energy each morning.

Grab your copy here:   "Natural Sleep made Simple"
 
If you really don't want to miss your favorite crimes dramas or that awesome horror flick, try taping them and watch them on a lazy, rainy Saturday afternoon. Besides, that way you can zip through the commercials!