Gone are the days when working on a computer meant sitting upright on a desk for hours. Nowadays, people look for comfort at all times of the day if they can help it. Using a laptop in bed, many people think, is the most comfortable experience.
But there is a healthy discussion going on about this issue. Many experts feel that using your laptop while you are on your bed is not only harmful to you but can also damage the laptop in the long run. To help you get rid of the apprehension, we’re here to give you a definite answer.
In this article, we’ll put an end to a famous question on the internet – can I use laptop on bed?
Is it Harmful to Use a Laptop in Bed?
Generally, you wouldn’t cause any significant damage to your body or your laptop if you are using your laptop in bed the right way. If you take care of little details like your posture or whether the laptop is getting sufficient ventilation, then there’s usually no harm.
But this is true only when you take note of some important things. How you position yourself and your laptop in bed, whether the lighting is appropriate, and whether the bottom of the laptop has sufficient ventilation are some crucial factors that you need to keep in mind.
To help you use your laptop in bed properly, we’ll now give you a guide on how to use a laptop on bed.
How to Use a Laptop on Bed Properly: 6 Tips Recommended by Experts
If you keep in mind the following details, you can enjoy the comfortable sensation of using your laptop in bed instead of having to sit on a desk for hours on end.
1. Should I Sit Cross-Legged While Using a Laptop in Bed?
While many people prefer sitting cross-legged when they use their laptops in bed, it is not the best position. It is harmful to your posture and doing so for prolonged periods can cause prominent neck and back pains.
The majority of the people sit cross-legged while they use their laptops in bed. This is a concerning trend as the position might strain your neck while you droop down to look into the laptop’s screen. At the same time, the majority of the people sit with a slouched posture that can have negative effects in the long run.
2. What is the Most Comfortable Way of Using a Laptop in Bed?
The most comfortable position to be in while using your laptop in bed is when you lie on your back, raise your knees skywards, and then rest the laptop on your lap. Also, adjust a pillow behind your head for sufficient support.
This position reduces the strain on your neck that you might experience while working on laptops for long hours.
Alternatively, if you do not find this position comfortable, experts recommend that you should at least place a pillow underneath your laptop to avoid overheating.
3. Is there a Risk of Straining My Eyes if I Use my Laptop on a Bed?
Unfortunately, using your laptop in bed comes with a major drawback – you might end up straining your eyes over time. To avoid this, you should take the necessary precautions to adjust the lighting appropriately.
You must avoid:
- Direct sunlight filtering in through windows.
- Any kind of light reflecting from the screen of your laptop.
- Pitch dark rooms.
- Any bulb or light that illuminates your position strongly.
At the same time, ensure that your laptop automatically enters into sleep mode after 10-15 minutes of inactivity. That way, you can guarantee that you won’t have your sleep disturbed by the light of your laptop’s screen if you doze off while working.
4. Can I Watch Movies on My Laptop in Bed?
If you take care of your posture and adjust the positioning of the screen, there’s no harm in enjoying a night-time movie on your laptop in bed.
However, if you wish to avoid any strain, you will have to rotate your laptop’s screen sideways. The latest laptops come with the option to watch movies in portrait mode. Go to the “Windows Mobility Centre” setting and choose any screen orientation that you want.
Rotating your screen sideways is particularly useful for side-sleepers who might doze off while watching the movie.
5. Should I Use External Devices?
Using your laptop in bed would be very inconvenient if the user decides to opt for the laptop’s internal keyboard and mouse.
In such a situation, using an external, detachable keyboard and mouse would help give you better mobility and comfort.
6. Is it Safe to Use a Laptop in Bed for Hours?
Nothing is good for your health if you do too much of it. In the same way, using your laptop for long hours while being in the comfort of your bed would be harmful to your health.
You can counter this with a series of simple and productive stretches and regular intervals. It will only take a few minutes of your life and would do your body a lot of good by rekindling the blood flow in your body.
Final Thoughts
Using your laptop in bed is not a concern at all if it is an occasional adventure. Doing so for prolonged periods can have negative connotations for both your body and laptop. This is especially true if you are not doing so properly.
In this article, we have discussed whether it is appropriate to use a laptop in bed, while simultaneously talking about the proper way to do so. We hope that you read our article thoroughly and implement our tips to ensure a long and healthy life for yourself and your laptop.
