Bedroom TV

Bedroom TV or television in the bedroom is not necessarily a good idea. Way back in the 50’s a television was something that not everyone owned. Those 13 inch black and white picture tubes of entertainment were expensive and thought to be just another fad that would soon pass. Those families that had a TV were looked at with envy and frequently a household would become the neighborhood entertainment center for kids watching cartoons after school and adults watching the Saturday night fights.

As TV tube increased in size and quality with improvements in programming, not to mention that the price decreased considerably as household discretionary income increased, TV ‘s became a standard household item. By the mid 70’s color TV became popular and everyone either owned one or was soon to own one. Soon thereafter the typical household went from a single TV in the living room to multiple TV’s in the home. The typical home today has three TVs. The second room in the home to get a TV was more often than not the bedroom. Bedroom TV has its good and bad points.

If there is a bedridden person in the house it may be a good thing. If the TV in the bedroom is for late night or early morning entertainment it may not be such a good thing. Lying in bed watching TV before falling asleep or when first awaking in the morning has become common practice for many households, nearly 90% of households admit to watching TV in bed. This can put an uncomfortable cramp in the family’s life style.

TV in the bedroom is bad for a needed good night sleep especially when one member of the family wants to sleep and the other wants to watch TV. It is equally as bad for the TV watcher as it is for those who want to sleep. It is uncomfortable to lie in bed and watch TV. If the angle of the TV isn’t positioned properly for comfort you crick your neck, bend pillows, and twist like a pretzel in an attempt to get comfortable. More frequently than not, you fall asleep in this position with the TV on. This is not conducive to getting a restful sleep.

Always use a light when watching TV in a dark room. TV flashes are like a series of lightning flashes that cause eye strain and disrupts other people sleeping. Use a low glow lamp or put a dimmer on a regular lamp.

If it is not imperative to have a TV in a bedroom to accommodate a bedridden person I recommend that it be barred from bedroom. Place your second or third TV in the kitchen, den, or garage. A restful night sleep is imperative to maintain good health. A TV in the bedroom will not necessarily assure a restful night sleep.