Not sleeping with the television on

Several months ago, I made the decision to get a small screen television for my bedroom. This choice stemmed from my period in the hospital, during which a television or laptop served as constant companions. Seeing the benefits, I opted for a television this time, finding it preferable to the laptop due to its distance from my head and its reliability in staying on throughout the night.

After connecting it to my home Wi-Fi, I began exploring various streaming services and local free-to-air television apps. However, recently I thought about adding to its functionality by connecting it to the nearby TV antenna. I know. How modern!

“I’m looking for a cord that connects the antenna to my TV,” I explained to a young assistant at Big W yesterday. Despite searching through their electrical supplies without success, I remained determined to pursue this “old-school” approach, even if it meant appearing out of touch with modern technology.

“Does anyone still do that?” the millennial sales assistant asked with genuine surprise on their face. “Yes, I suppose I’m a bit old-fashioned. While my TV is connected to Wi-Fi, I still prefer a physical connection,” I responded, hoping to convey my appreciation for both modern conveniences and traditional methods.

Unfortunately, Big W didn’t carry the cable I needed, and subsequent stores yielded similar results. I was surprised by the scarcity of coaxial cables, considering their past ubiquity in convenience stores and service stations.

Finally, I stumbled upon the cable I needed at my local Mitre 10 today. They were on the top shelf which, my years in retail tells me is, generally speaking where they put the less popular items.

This experience prompted reflection on our changing television habits. Personally, I’ve shifted away from live free-to-air TV, except for occasional viewing of the ABC News channel or when visiting older family members in Lismore. Instead, I find myself drawn to platforms like YouTube for its diverse content, particularly documentaries, comedy, and drama, albeit mostly on catch-up. Despite friends’ recommendations, my “Task” app remains filled with unwatched suggestions.

Recalling childhood rituals of perusing the TV guide and circling anticipated programs, I’m reminded of a time when television viewing was more deliberate. Even as a high school student, I once wrote a detailed letter to the manager of our local commercial television station, suggesting programming changes and receiving a gracious response.

Upon connecting the antenna cable today, I conducted a channel scan and began sifting through the offerings. The abundance of unappealing channels, such as children’s programming, shopping channels, and even a horse racing channel, left me contemplating the necessity of paring down my selections.

Moreover, I’ve begun questioning the wisdom of having a television in my bedroom at all. Despite the initial allure, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality over the past six months without the ambient noise of radio or television. The tranquility of falling asleep to natural sounds like rain or waking to the sounds of birds contrasts starkly with the disruptive effect of television or radio, which infiltrate my dreams with unsettling combinations of programming and personal memories.

As I prepare for bed tonight, I’ve resolved to forego the temptation of falling asleep to the television’s glow, even with the newfound antenna connection.