Experts suggest turning off screens at least an hour before bed… but what if you could use your screen to help you snooze?
Playing a YouTube video while you go to bed can actually help you fall asleep if you’re mindful of the media playing.
During a rough stage of my life, I had severe insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Especially so before bed. I tried watching my favorite shows on Netflix. I’d often debate on what level to have the volume at because having it too loud kept me up (I’d want to watch what was playing), but if I didn’t hear anything that’d also keep me up (thoughts would race or I’d wonder what was going on with the show). Turning off my screens left me feeling alone, thoughts racing. I tried some white noise apps, but I found myself still wanting to watch something while I went to bed.
Eventually I stumbled upon relaxing instrumental music videos that lasted up to 8 hours long. Finding these videos was like hitting the jackpot. Videos of beautiful landscapes, space, and other peaceful visuals with white noise or gentle music gave my brain just enough to chew on so I could fall asleep. At first it was a bit cheesy and corny, I’d laugh at myself a bit… but after experimenting with different videos at bed time, I ended up finding a couple that truly brought me smoothly into slumber land while also giving me a sense of security and adventure.
For me, this still wasn’t enough. I felt like I needed something extra for my brain to chew on while I slept. I ended up finding a sleep hypnosis video by Michael Sealey (who has other guided meditation videos which I also highly recommend trying) that almost always guaranteed that I’d fall asleep.
Here’s my process:
1. Play this video in the BACKGROUND at MAX volume on the YouTube player.
2. With the first video playing in the background, SIMULTANEOUSLY play this playlist in FULL SCREEN mode at the LOWEST volume setting on the YouTube player.
3. Adjust your computer volume as needed.
The first video is meant to just serve as audio for the first hour (I usually fell asleep after 20-30 minutes of listening). The playlist provides white noise and peaceful visuals for the whole night even after the first video has ended (so if/when you wake up, its at least to something peaceful).
Setting the volume levels on the YOUTUBE PLAYERS first is important so that you only have to mess with one volume while falling asleep. If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, keep that by your bed so you don’t have to get up to adjust the volume. After
experimenting, you’ll eventually find the perfect levels and won’t need to have the mouse or keyboard next to you.
Do you fall asleep with a screen on? Do you turn it all off or use the tech to your advantage? Comment below or tweet me @emilyaliem
