November 21st…Did you know it is World Television Day?

What is World Television Day?

World Television Day, established by the United Nations (UN), is an annual event that recognizes the significance of television in our lives. It highlights the power of television in raising awareness about global issues, facilitating communication, and promoting social change.

However, as a therapist whilst I acknowledge watching television can be a great source of entertainment and an enjoyable pastime for many it also needs to be recognised that watching too much can be very detrimental for our health.

Televisions, along with other electrical gadgets, omit a blue light which can keep us awake for up to an hour following switch off time. So when you start watching a series it is hardly surprising that you stay up much later than intended! Additionally, we are more likely to want to crave unhealthy snacks or drinks and if we eat and watch TV then our body does not recognise the signals of getting full so we end up overeating too.

How to improve your sleep

If you want to sleep well and sleep deeply, to allow your body to heal itself, then you may wish to consider turning off all electrical gadgets an hour before bedtime.

As you get ready for bed perhaps take a relaxing shower or bath (washing away anything unhelpful from your day), listen to some calming music or read an interesting book instead.

Setting a go to bed time and getting up time for every day of the week helps to regulate your internal clock (circadian rhythm). Sleep deprivation one night cannot be made up by sleeping in later the following day or at the weekend! Such simple changes can impact positively upon your sleeping patterns and even extend your life in the process too!

Whatever you are watching on TV today I hope that you enjoy it and have a great night’s sleep too.