In summary
- 📺 Difficulty with silence: Using television to fill the void and avoid the discomfort of silence.
- 🔊 Feeling safe: Background noise creates a feeling of presence, reducing the feeling of loneliness.
- 🌙 Night birds: Correlation between staying up late and the need for stimuli such as light or sound to sleep.
- 💤 Bedtime routine: Television signals to the body that it is time to relax and prepares you for sleep.
For some, the bedtime ritual includes an element that others might find surprising: the television on. Far from being just a relaxation habit, this practice reveals deep psychological behaviors in those who need it to fall asleep. This article looks at the eight typical behaviors identified by psychology among individuals for whom the silence of the night is too heavy without the background noise of a show or film.
Difficulty with silence
For many, the silence can be oppressive, a sound void which amplifies the internal noises of the mind. Those who turn on their television at bedtime often do so to avoid this confrontation with silence, using ambient noise as a way to fill the space and soothe their discomfort.
Security search
The continuous sound of the television provides a feeling of company and of security. For some people, especially those who live alone, background noise creates an illusion of presence that can help them feel less isolated and more secure in their nighttime environment.
Be night owls
“Night owls”, or those who are active late in the evening, often find in television an ally to manage their circadian shift. The noise and light emitted by the television can help them adjust their bodies to unconventional sleep schedules, making the transition to nighttime less abrupt.
Busy mind
Television often serves as a distraction tool for those who have difficulty freeing their minds from persistent thoughts before sleeping. By captivating attention with images and sounds, it allows the mind to relax and thus makes it easier to fall asleep.
Coping with loneliness
In moments of solitude, especially after the loss of a loved one or a breakup, television can become a comfort. She provides a constant presence that helps some people deal with feelings of isolation and sadness.
Avoiding unpleasant dreams
Television noise may also play a role in modulating dreams. For those who are prone to nightmares, background noise can help dull the intensity of dreams or make them less memorable.
Stress management
Watching light programs or favorite series can be an effective strategy to stress management. This helps create a smooth transition between wakefulness and sleep, helping the mind to relax and prepare for rest.
Creating a routine
For many people, turning on the television is an integral part of their bedtime routine. This gesture signals to the body that it is time to relax and helps establish a ritual that prepares you for a night of restful sleep.
Each of the behaviors analyzed shows how deeply rooted nocturnal habits can be in our search for psychological and emotional comfort. Recognizing and understanding these habits can not only shed light on individual needs when going to bed, but also offer ways to improve the quality of our nighttime rest.
