Experts on sleep and marriage are one in saying that it's bad to have a television in the bedroom. "The bed should be reserved for two things: intimacy and sleep," said Laurel House, the author of "Screwing The Rules: The No-Games Guide to Love," according to Brides.
"Television is bad for sexual Feng Shui as it emits EMF (electromagnetic field) energy, but worse, it psychologically turns people off from sex," said Ellen Whitehurst, a lifestyle expert, according to Stylecaster.
A 2006 study done in Italy has shown how television in the bedroom can cut a couple's sex life in half, according to Sky News. Yet one particular study conducted in Britain in 2014 has revealed that there are couples having more together-time with the TV in the bedroom, according to Daily Mail.
"TV may very well be a relationship enhancer. Couples have bonded over favorite shows they watch together, every night or every week - no matter what! It's a chance to snuggle up in bed and make a pact to have alone time," said psychologist Debbie Magids, according to Match.Com.
If you're like other couples who decide to keep the TV in the bedroom, here is how you can keep the sanity, satisfaction and peace in your relationship:
- Choosing to have a television in the bedroom must be a mutual agreement to minimize unnecessary arguments.
- Set viewing times you both can agree on. Two hours for a television show on specific nights should be enough. If possible, set the TV's timer to automatically go off during an agreed time. For the rest of the week, couples should make it a point to do "other stuff" in the bedroom together.
- If one partner would like to watch a program while the other needs to rest or sleep, use headphones or keep the TV volume low as consideration.
- If there is enough space in the room, create a separate section for the TV area, where you can put couches or chairs. If there isn't enough space and you have to put the TV directly across from the bed, install a cabinet with doors that can be closed. Keep the TV hidden when not in use.
- If there are important things you need to talk about as a couple, do this with the TV turned off.
