There’s a distinct difference between people who fall asleep in a quiet, dark room and those who need the TV humming in the background.
Ever wondered why?
Psychology has some interesting answers. People who require TV to doze off generally exhibit certain behaviors that set them apart.
In this article, I’m going to share nine such behaviors that these night-time TV watchers commonly display, according to psychology.
If you’re one of those folks reaching for the remote before hitting the sack, you might recognize a few of these traits in yourself.
Let’s dive in.
1) They are sensory seekers
There’s something particularly fascinating about people who need the TV on to fall asleep – they are often sensory seekers.
In psychology, sensory seekers are individuals who crave more sensory input. Think of it like this: some people need complete silence and darkness to sleep, while others find comfort in the soft glow of a television screen and the low murmur of voices.
These night-time TV watchers often require additional sensory stimuli to feel relaxed and settled. The flickering lights, varying sounds, and ever-changing scenes on a TV screen provide just the right amount of sensory input for them to drift off.
Sleeping with the TV on isn’t just a habit. It’s a way for them to meet their unique sensory needs, helping them wind down and prepare for sleep.
2) They crave routine
Another common behavior exhibited by people who need the TV on to fall asleep is their craving for routine.
Let me share a bit of my own experience here. For years, I’ve had this nightly ritual. I’d hop into bed, grab the remote and flick on an episode of my favourite sitcom. The familiar theme song, the well-loved characters, and the predictable plotlines – they all provided a sense of comfort and predictability.
According to psychology, this pattern isn’t unusual. Folks who use the TV as a sleep aid usually thrive on routines. They find solace in knowing what’s coming next, and this predictability helps them relax and doze off.
The nightly routine of watching TV before sleep isn’t just about the noise or light, but the sense of familiarity and order it brings.
3) They are more likely to be night owls
People who fall asleep to the TV tend to be more active during the evening or night, a trait that makes them “night owls”. The soft glow and the subtle noise of the television can feel comforting and inviting to those who are naturally more awake during these hours.
Night owls often have a delayed sleep phase. This means their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, operates on a different schedule than the typical “early to bed, early to rise” pattern.
Watching TV late into the night helps these individuals wind down when their energy levels are still relatively high. So, if you find yourself wide awake when others are fast asleep, and you rely on your trusty TV to lull you into slumber, you’re likely part of the night owl club.
4) They often experience anxiety
It’s not uncommon for people who sleep with the TV on to experience higher levels of anxiety. The constant stream of sound and visuals can serve as a distraction from the thoughts and worries that often surface in the quiet of the night.
Anxiety can make it challenging to fall asleep, as the mind races with worry and stress. Having the television on can provide a focal point, something to concentrate on that isn’t anxiety-inducing thoughts.
The TV acts as a soothing presence, creating a sense of normalcy and safety. It’s like having a friend in the room, making the world feel a little less overwhelming.
5) They are adept multi-taskers
Here’s another interesting characteristic – people who need the TV on to fall asleep are often skilled multi-taskers. They’re comfortable managing multiple streams of sensory input at once, and it doesn’t hinder their ability to unwind or sleep.
For them, having the TV on while preparing for bed isn’t a distraction. Instead, it’s just another part of their routine. They might be brushing their teeth or changing into pajamas, all while keeping an ear out for their favorite show playing in the background.
This ability to handle multiple tasks and inputs at once extends beyond bedtime rituals – you’ll probably find them juggling various tasks throughout the day with relative ease.
6) They may feel lonely
Here’s a more heartfelt observation. Sometimes, having the TV on at night can be a way to combat feelings of loneliness. The voices and sounds emanating from the television can fill an otherwise quiet room and make one feel less alone.
In the stillness of the night, when you’re left alone with your thoughts, things can get a bit daunting. The television serves as a comforting presence, giving a sense of companionship in those solitary hours.
It’s like having someone there with you, filling the silence with familiar sounds. There’s comfort in that familiarity, in knowing that even in the quietest moments, you’re not alone.
If you find yourself reaching for the remote when you’re feeling lonesome, know that it’s okay. We all have our ways of coping and if watching TV helps you feel less alone and more at ease, then that’s perfectly fine.
7) They may struggle with insomnia
If you find yourself frequently unable to fall asleep, you might be dealing with insomnia. I’ve been there myself. Countless nights spent tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to come.
Having the TV on can be a coping mechanism for people like us. It provides a distraction from the frustration and stress of not being able to fall asleep. The gentle background noise and light can make the long, sleepless nights feel less daunting.
Insomnia can feel isolating, but it’s more common than you might think. And if watching TV helps you manage it in some way, then there’s no shame in that. It’s just another tool in our arsenal to combat those sleepless nights.
8) They are often open to background noise
People who need the TV on to fall asleep usually have a high tolerance for, and even a preference for, background noise. The constant hum of the television provides a consistent audio backdrop that many find soothing.
For these individuals, silence can be more disruptive to sleep than noise. The absence of sound can make every minor disturbance, like a creaking floorboard or a ticking clock, seem magnified.
Having the TV on offers a steady stream of noise that drowns out these potential disturbances. If you’re someone who finds it easier to drift off to the comforting murmur of a TV show than to complete silence, this is likely a trait you can relate to.
9) They might have a higher exposure to blue light
The most crucial thing to be aware of if you’re a TV-before-bed kind of person is the exposure to blue light. Televisions, like most electronic devices, emit a type of light known as ‘blue light.’ This light can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.
Increased exposure to blue light, especially before bedtime, can disrupt your sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep. It’s an important consideration and something worth exploring if you’re having sleep issues.
While many find comfort and solace in the glow of the television at night, being mindful of its potential impact on your sleep health is essential.
Wrapping it up: It’s all about individual comfort
When it comes to sleep, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each of us has unique preferences and habits that help us unwind and drift off into dreamland. For some, it’s the soft hum and glow of a television screen that does the trick.
These behaviors, though they might seem odd to some, are deeply interwoven with various psychological aspects. Whether it’s the need for sensory input, a love for routines, or a way to cope with insomnia or anxiety, every trait offers a glimpse into the complex human psyche.
Even the negative impact of blue light exposure underlines the lengths to which some of us go for that elusive good night’s sleep. It’s a reminder that what works for one person might not work for another.
So, if you’re someone who finds comfort in the flickering lights and muffled sounds of a late-night TV show, remember – it’s your sleep, your rules. As long as it brings you peace and doesn’t interfere with your health, there’s no harm in embracing what makes you uniquely you.
After all, understanding our behaviors and preferences can be a stepping stone towards self-awareness and acceptance. And isn’t that what being human is all about?
