Can You Fall Asleep to TV Shows Without Wrecking Your Sleep? Absolutely—Here’s How!

You’ve probably heard it before: “No screens before bed!” But what if drifting off to the sound of your favorite show is actually helping you sleep?

The Good News: Experts say listening to something soothing—like a podcast, audiobook, or a familiar TV show—can be part of a relaxing bedtime routine. In fact, more than half of people with sleep troubles use music to fall asleep!

The Trick: Don’t watch—just listen. Screens give off light that can keep your brain alert. But audio alone, if it’s calming and familiar, might help your brain switch off.

Avoid the Plot Twists: Pick something you already know or that’s not too exciting. A suspenseful crime drama? Not ideal. A boring documentary you’ve seen ten times? Perfect.

Set a Sleep Timer: Letting sound play all night can disrupt sleep with sudden noises. Use a timer to fade it out after you drift off.

Quiet the Mind: If your brain won’t stop racing at night, try managing worries earlier in the day—or play calm sounds to help distract your thoughts.

Still Not Working? It might be time to see a sleep specialist. Therapies like CBT-i (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) can work wonders—no earphones required.

So go ahead, turn on that soothing series or podcast. Just remember: Eyes off, timer on, and let your ears do the drifting.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/12/health/sleep-listening-music-podcasts-shows-wellness