Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2022
I have a really hard time shutting my mind down at night . I usually watch TV in bed until ( at some point in the night ) I fall asleep . The next morning I keep finding my alarm going off too soon , and my wife says I ’ m such a grouch all day because I ’ m tired . Any suggestions ? Joshua , Teaneck
Joshua , you sound like millions of Americans who go to sleep in front of the TV at night . It ’ s probably one of the worst habits we can have for getting a good night ’ s sleep .
The artificial blue light from the TV disrupts our natural circadian rhythms , which in turn interrupts our melatonin production which relaxes us to sleep . As well , the TV being on keeps your brain over stimulated . The same can be said if you are active on your cell phone or tablet in bed before you go to sleep .
My recommendation to you is to try and not watch TV or browse the internet right before going to sleep . Keep your bedroom cool and dark , and leave the devices for your rec room space . This can go a long way to helping reset your sleep patterns .
Getting enough sleep is really important , not just to keep you from being grouchy , but also to keep your heart healthy . Try to cut back on how much TV you watch in your bedroom before bed and you might be surprised at how much better you sleep !
For more information about Deborah Heart and Lung Center visit www . DemandDeborah . org or 855-646-3484 .
Denise Zingrone , DO Cardiologist Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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