These Are the Most Popular TV Shows That People Fall Asleep To

Are you one of those people who can’t fall asleep without the television on? According to a recent study conducted by the sleep experts at Bestmattress-brand, you’re definitely not alone — about 60 percent of Americans watch TV before bed. Though some would consider themselves channel surfers, others have go-to shows they turn on at bedtime and the research shows that animated sitcoms reign supreme in many households.

The most popular show to watch before bed is “Family Guy,” according to Bestmattress-brand. The company found that, because of the show’s non-linear storyline, over 20 percent of participants believe “Family Guy” is the perfect lighthearted show to turn on while settling in for the evening. It’s funny, has great rewatch value, and the episodes are short enough to watch all the way through before nodding off.

The same is true for the second and third-most popular shows to fall asleep to: “American Dad” and “Bob’s Burgers,” which 17.1 percent and 16.7 percent of participants put on before bed, respectively. Episodes can be watched out of order, and storylines are always funny and easy to follow. 

“Saturday Night Live” is also a popular show to put on at bedtime, according to 14.9 percent of study participants. Whether it’s the live show every Saturday, or repeats of classic episodes, this show provides an hour of entertainment and is a definite comfort show many have been watching since childhood.

Sports are also on the list of go-to TV to watch before bed. Football is the most popular watch, but basketball and baseball make the list, too. Sometimes the white noise from the crowd can be enough to send someone peacefully off to dreamland.

Other shows that made the list are “The Simpsons,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Modern Family,” proving that sitcoms reign supreme.

Unfortunately, watching TV before bed isn’t recommended by many doctors and sleep experts. A study from the Sleep Foundation found that over 50 percent of adults who watch TV before bed get seven hours of sleep or less due to the blue light emitted from televisions and computer screens affecting their circadian rhythm. And television also stimulates your brain during a period in which you should be winding down.

But as long as you are following a routine, staying still while watching your bedtime shows, and turning off the TV before you fall asleep, your quality of sleep should be okay.

Did your favorite bedtime show make the list?