When we posed the question "What Part Of Your Home Should Stay Tech-Free?," we should have known the comments section would turn into a debate about keeping televisions in the bedroom. It seems like there's no middle ground on the topic: Either you love watching the boob tube in bed, or you're wholeheartedly supporting a non-wired zen bedroom. Me? I'm in that former group, and here's why.
This time of year is when I start to really appreciate the fact that we made the sometimes controversial choice to place a TV in the bedroom.
I know I'm going to sound like a wimp to you Northern readers, but here it goes: Atlanta gets cold, y'all!
And right now, when we're trying to conserve energy by putting off turning on the heat as far into the year as possible, I'm glad that I have the opportunity to go through my evening TV routine in the warm comfort of my bed.
The Most Comfortable Room in the House
After dinner's been eaten and chores are through, there's nothing better to me than hopping underneath my warm blanket to catch The Office.
If I'm turning off the tube well before bedtime and following these rules for good bedroom TV-watching ergonomics, I don't see any harm in winding down from my day in the most comfortable room in the house.
Nothing But Pro's
Would I be perfectly content watching TV from the sofa in the living room? Sure. But to me, the presence of a screen in the bedroom doesn't have any "cons." If I need a quiet, zen space—well, the TV has a power button.
(Images: Flickr user joanna forever under license from Creative Commons, Flickr user -Rob Towell- under license from Creative Commons)
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Agreed!
I know some people think a television in the bedroom can be an eye-sore, too, but there are definitely ways to work around that.
The pros definitely outweigh the cons for me.
I prefer to watch TV in the bedroom as well and am even considering removing the one from the living room as it's an eyesore and huge distraction when trying to have conversations.
Me too. During these Chicago winters it's nice to be able to watch some TV from my bed. Especially good on lazy weekends, or sick-days when you just want to be comfy and warm, and still sneak in some How I Met You Mother
People who have TVs in the bedroom have markedly less sex than folks who don't.
I see that as a pretty big con.
I don't have an office and I have a 27" iMac that I do my work on in the bedroom. I love getting under the covers and catching up on shows on hulu or a netflix movie with my husband.
Studies have shown that folks who fall asleep to TV get poor quality sleep. I found this to be true, too -- long ago -- and moved it back to the living room (and into a cabinet).
Ah... love the power button.
I agree very much!
Best thing we ever did for the quality of our sleep and our sex life. Besides, there is nothing on TV - Bridalplasty anyone?
So true, there's something that feels very indulgent about being able to snuggle under my down duvet and watch TV, especially if I'm really sick or just feeling "blah" and need to get my mind off my stresses.
Also, THANK YOU for using the personal pronoun and not that ridiculous singular "we" nonsense!
People who have TVs in the bedroom have markedly less sex than folks who don't.
I see that as a pretty big con.
You're doing it wrong.
@LetaB
1. Cite your source.
2. Did you ever think that just maybe, people decided to put TVs in their bedrooms BECAUSE they weren't having sex? If that's not happening for them, at least they've got something else to entertain them.
3. Like @anthropos said, "You're doing it wrong." If you don't want to have sex because there's a TV in your room there's something wrong with you.
having a tv in the living room doesn't stop us from having sex out there, so why would it stop us in the bedroom?
It probably just depends on what room you're comfy in.
I have, quite possibly, the comfiest couch EVER. (People always comment on it when they come over) so I like my TV in the living room. I feel no shame about snuggling up under a wool blanket or quilt either, so heat isn't really a problem either.
If you've got a living room that's more designed around looks, or the TV is in an inconvenient spot, or you don't have an amazingly comfy couch - it would definitely make sense to make the comfy TV watching zone in the bedroom.
I draw the line at TVs in kids' bedrooms, though. If they want to suckle on the boob tube they better come out and watch it with the rest of us.
Am I the only one who finds both of the pictured bedrooms with TVs deeply depressing? The first one is kind of retro-cute, I guess... but ouch!
lmao @jmorey. So true!
@LetaB
Like @Rob Ungar said, you should cite your source if you're going to say something that bold.
My wife and I have a TV in our bedroom because we have a small apartment. Sometimes, there are two things on TV that we both want to watch.
Yes, if we had a larger home, we would have a couple rooms with TVs in them, but that's just not realistic in apartment-living.
While yes, the tv has an off button, tv in the bedroom isn't good "sleep hygiene". I'm a hardcore insomniac trying to convince my husband to get our tv out of the bedroom. If all you guys/gals are cold, I suggest a Snuggie!
My doctor even said that you shouldn't read in bed. The bed is for 2 things: sleeping and sex. I'm not trying to force my ideas on anyone, just trying to help. Maybe one day I can get my insomnia under control.
I mainly read in bed, but we have a TV in the bedroom, as well as the main computer, and we sometimes even watch the zoombox on the ceiling.
It has not changed our sleeping habits, nor has it changed other aspects. I would be interested in seeing the studies on sex, also.
Re: Less sex/worse sleep with a TV in the bedroom - true. And here are some sources:
http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20189096_1,00.html
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/199/199196_tvs_a_bedroom_turnoff_.html
Oh and this one from... Apartment Therapy:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/bedroom/tvs-in-the-bedroom-106586
which cited: "A Washington Post study even suggested a TV in the bedroom leads to less exercising, lower fruit and vegetable intake, and more sweetened beverage consumption."
Having a TV in the bedroom cured my insomnia. I used to leave it on to Animal Planet and doze off. When it was time to wake up, there would usually be a "Siberian Muskrat"-type documentary. Hearing the documentary voice was my cue to wake up.