For many, falling asleep without the TV is almost impossible.

It’s not just about watching something interesting; it’s about finding comfort in the familiar sounds and glow of the screen.

This nightly habit often becomes a ritual, shaping a person’s sleep environment and behavior.

They stick to specific shows, establish routines, and struggle with the unsettling silence that comes when the TV is off.

These patterns reveal a reliance on the TV as more than just a source of entertainment—it becomes a sleep aid that they feel they can’t do without.

1) They have a specific show or genre

When it comes to people who use the TV as their sleep aid, there’s often a pattern to what they watch.

It’s not about catching up on the latest Netflix series or watching a thriller movie. No, it’s often about familiarity and comfort.

Think about it. If you’re trying to sleep, you don’t want something that will grab your attention and keep you awake.

You want something that’s predictable and comforting.

Many TV sleepers have a specific show or genre they stick to, something they’ve seen many times and know by heart.

It’s not about entertainment; it’s about setting a soothing, familiar background noise that lulls them to sleep.

This behavior is one of the key signs of someone who relies on TV to sleep. 

2) They develop a late-night routine

For me, as a TV sleeper, it’s not just about turning on the TV and hoping to fall asleep. There’s a whole routine around it.

Every night, I prepare my room, dimming the lights and making sure the remote is within reach.

Then I choose the show I want to fall asleep to. It’s usually an old sitcom that I’ve watched hundreds of times.

The routine continues even after the TV is on. I settle into my favorite sleep position, adjust the volume to just the right level, and set the sleep timer so the TV doesn’t run all night.

This routine signals to my brain that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep.

It’s become such an ingrained habit that I struggle to sleep without it.

3) They often experience disrupted sleep

While falling asleep to the TV might seem harmless, it can actually lead to fragmented sleep.

The noise and light from the TV can cause micro-awakenings, moments when you wake up briefly without even realizing it.

These micro-awakenings can prevent you from reaching deep, restorative stages of sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

This is a common issue for those who rely on the TV to drift off at night.

Despite the initial comfort it provides, it may be affecting the quality of their sleep more than they realize.

4) They struggle with silence

Silence can be deafening, especially for those who are used to falling asleep to the sound of a TV.

The quiet of a room without the familiar hum of dialogue or background music can feel unsettling.

These individuals often report feeling an increased awareness of their surroundings in silence, making it difficult for them to relax and drift off to sleep.

This dependence on noise to sleep is a common trait among those who regularly use the TV as a sleep aid.

5) They feel an emotional attachment

There’s something comforting about the soft glow of the TV screen in a dark room.

For me, it feels like an old friend is there with me, even in the depths of night. It’s not just a tool to help me sleep; it’s a comfort, a constant, a gentle presence in the silence.

I’ve realized over time that my reliance on the TV to sleep carries with it an emotional attachment. It’s not just about the noise or the light; it’s about the sense of companionship it offers.

And this is something that many people who use their TV as a sleep aid can relate to.

6) They might experience daytime fatigue

Despite managing to fall asleep to the TV, those who rely on this method may find themselves feeling tired during the day.

As mentioned earlier, the light and sound from the TV can cause disruptions in sleep, preventing them from getting a fully restful night’s sleep.

This can lead to daytime fatigue, where they feel constantly tired or sluggish during the day, struggle to concentrate, or find themselves needing naps.

This daytime fatigue is a common sign of disrupted sleep and is often experienced by those who sleep with the TV on.

7) They can face difficulties adjusting to different sleeping environments

For those who rely on the hum and light of a TV to sleep, finding rest in different environments can be challenging.

Whether it’s a hotel room, a friend’s place, or even just a power outage, the absence of a TV can make sleep elusive.

This reliance on a specific sleep aid can create a form of dependency, making it difficult to adapt to changes and potentially impacting their overall sleep health.

Final thoughts