Sleeping and sex. These are the only two activities that should happen in the bed, says women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm. There is a laundry list of others that should take place only outside the bedroom. The top six are:
1. Watch television
Watching TV until you drift off to sleep is a favorite American pastime, says Marla Ahlgrimm. However, watching television can actually thwart your brain’s melatonin secretion. Melatonin is a hormone that helps the body fall asleep. It’s best to turn off the tube at least 60 minutes before settling in.
2. Check your phone/tablet
Like the television, the light on your phone or tablet can delay sleep. Another caveat to opening Facebook, text messages, and emails is that it can be very tempting to respond, delaying sleep time even further.
3. Eat
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, eating in bed is one of the worst things you can do for your health and hygiene. Crumbs between the sheets act as a beacon for bugs, including ants, flies, and cockroaches. Sweet foods are especially attractive to gnats and other flying pests.
4. Argue
The 10 o’clock hour is not the time to get into a heated discussion with your partner, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Unfortunately, busy schedules often mean nighttime is the first chance couples have to discuss their differences. It’s better to wait until morning, with the bed best left for makeup sex.
5. Work
Working from bed sounds like a dream come true. But, Marla Ahlgrimm warns that plopping your laptop down where you sleep can actually trigger an unconscious association between your bed and work. This can lead to anxiety when trying to count sheep and catch 40 winks.
6. Co-sleep with pets
This hotly debated topic is the most subjective on the list. Marla Ahlgrimm acknowledges that animals absolutely help reduce stress and may even lull an individual to sleep. The issue here arises when pets get up and move throughout the night, which can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue and mental exhaustion.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,