Putting on a favourite series at the end of a long day is a comforting ritual for many of us. The issue is not the show itself but how much sleep it quietly takes. Here is how to enjoy what you watch and still wake up rested.
Why screens and sleep are linked
The UK's NHS advises avoiding phones, tablets and computers for about an hour before bed, because the blue light from screens can make it harder to fall asleep. It also suggests keeping screens such as phones and TVs out of the bedroom.
A steady routine matters
The NHS recommends going to bed and getting up at similar times each day, even on days off, so your body knows when it is time to sleep. Saying "just one more episode" now and then is fine, but if it happens every night, the routine starts to slip.
Practical tips
Decide your stopping point: before you press play, choose how many episodes you will watch and when you will switch off. Keep the TV out of the bedroom: let the bedroom be for sleep. Wind down gently: spend the last half hour reading, taking a warm shower, journaling or listening to calm music.