If you’re a night owl who enjoys watching TV as a way to relax and unwind before bed, you might want to reconsider your nighttime routine. New research shows that watching TV late at night could lead to depression.

What the Research Says

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that people who watched TV late at night were more likely to experience symptoms of depression.

The study, which was published in the journal Psychiatry Research, surveyed 423 young adults about their TV-watching habits and their mental health.

The researchers found that people who watched TV late at night (defined as after 11 p.m.) were more likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who watched TV earlier in the evening or who didn’t watch TV at all.

Specifically, people who watched TV late at night were more likely to have feelings of loneliness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble falling asleep.

Why TV Late at Night Could Lead to Depression

The researchers aren’t entirely sure why watching TV late at night could lead to depression, but they have a few theories. One possibility is that watching TV disrupts our natural sleep pattern.

Bright lights from the TV can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle. This can make it harder to fall asleep and lead to a poor quality of sleep, which has been linked to a higher risk of depression.

Another possibility is that the content of what we watch late at night can contribute to feelings of depression. Many late-night TV shows are designed to be provocative or sensational, focusing on crime, violence, and other negative emotions.

Watching these shows before bed can trigger feelings of anxiety or fear, which can carry over into our dreams and leave us feeling unsettled.

What You Can Do Instead

If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind before bed, there are other activities that might be better for your mental health. Here are a few ideas:.

Read a book. Reading a book can be a great way to unwind and escape from the stresses of the day. Choose a book that you find relaxing or uplifting, and try to read for at least 15-30 minutes before bed.
Meditate. Meditation can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, making it a great way to wind down before bed. Try practicing mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on your breath and bringing your attention to the present moment.
Take a warm bath. A warm bath can be a great way to relax your muscles and calm your mind. Try adding some epsom salts or essential oils to your bathwater to make it even more relaxing.
Listen to calming music. Listening to soft, calming music can help slow down your breathing and ease feelings of anxiety. Choose music that you find relaxing or uplifting and listen to it for at least 15-30 minutes before bed.

Conclusion

Watching TV late at night might seem like a harmless way to relax and unwind, but it could be contributing to feelings of depression.

To improve your mental health, try engaging in other relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, meditating, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music.