How can your streaming service help you drift off?

  • Updated :
  • Published :
  • Annace Baynes
  • Tips & Advice

Did you know that your streaming services have shows to improve your quality of sleep?

In this day and age, we all use at least one streaming service, whether it’s Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube, they are used on a day to day basis! But it was recently discovered that these streaming services may hold the secret to falling into a deep sleep quickly and effectively. 

How can Netflix offer sleep help?

It’s no secret that Netflix has taken over the world by storm, with over a whopping 207 million households owning a Netflix subscription! A huge percentage of Netflix users most frequently view their shows before bed, and that's because 56% of men have said they fall asleep with the TV on in the background, whilst 61% of women also used TV to induce sleep. So what can Netflix offer to your sleep health if it is such a large part of people's sleep routine?

A popular amongst late night watchers are the David Attenborough specials. The soothing sounds of nature and the gentle narrating voice of David Attenborough has been known to help people quickly fall into a deep sleep. Next time you fall asleep to the sound of the television, give “Our Planet” a go and see if it helps you drift off any easier. 

A new addition to Netflix is "Headspace - A guide to sleep". This short yet effective series is filled with sleep facts, sleep help and a 10 minute calming exercise to help you drift off. Headspace itself is a meditation app, created to teach people life changing mindfulness skills. So before you turn on your usual TV show before bed, think about how those sounds may be restricting you from obtaining the healthiest sleep possible, and possibly give “A Guide to Sleep” a listen instead? 

What is ASMR?

ASMR has been known to transform the sleep lives of millions of viewers around the globe, but what exactly is it? The abbreviation actually stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It is a tingling sensation that occurs typically in the scalp and continues to work its way down the neck and spine, it sets off an intense relaxation in the body, and is even known for working more effectively than some prescribed sleeping medications. 

So how can you achieve ASMR? Many people don’t know where to start with it, on YouTube there is a sea of millions upon millions of ASMR creators, offering tingle triggers, ear to ear whispering, tapping sounds, eating sounds and even role play such as eye examinations and even doctors check ups! It’s essential to find what works for you and sets off your ASMR. However, studies have shown that not all brains are wired to experience ASMR, some people just can not experience it as it is not a part of their nervous system. 

Is it healthy to fall asleep to TV sound?

The bottom line is that the majority of people fall asleep with the TV as background noise, and many people now struggle with falling asleep in complete silence. But sleep experts continue to be against this despite how many people are stuck with this habit. In fact studies have shown that sleeping with your TV on can reduce the total sleep time you get and interrupt your body’s melatonin production. So maybe it's time to find alternative sleep inducing habits, such as aromatherapy or meditation.