Does TV/Media in the excess hinder OBEs?

[RideTheWalrus]

This is a question for you veteran OBErs.  Have you found when you use the computer for too long, or watch too much TV that it makes having an OBE more difficult?  I seem to find it easier to concentrate and use my imagination when I go without the TV or computer for a period of time.  Maybe it has to do with information overload.

[nickspry]

It's pretty widely accepted now that OBE is most effective when attempted after four of five hours sleep (or when the deep sleep phase is no longer dominant, and REM sleep phases take over). If you use this sleep/wake/back to sleep method then stimulus such as TV etc is not a problem, as it's long since removed from your psyche. OBE when first going to bed at night happens much less often, and will also be hampered by lingering imagery of visual stimulus such as TV or internet use. If your having trouble, you could try the early morning method instead.

Cheers.

[Token]

I'm not sure about general tv, but using the computer is no problem.  I have found anything that stimulates the brain, such as using a computer or reading helps a great deal especially after gettting some good hours of deep sleep.  The mental stimulation helps to keep the mind awake while still allowing the body to relax and drift away which is key.  I think tv though goes the wrong way as it tends to induce the wrong frequency of brain wave patterns but I can't say about the tv for sure.

[MinstruelZ]

The thing about computers and TV's is that they are a source of un-natural light but your body perceives them as light and makes your body "think" it's daytime. It makes your body stay awake in a way. They also require zero effort to concentrate because of the constantly changing stimulus. So if you are working on improving your ability to focus and concentrate (esp. for OBE practice) a lot of TV/Computer surfing can't be the best thing. When I do a wake-back-to-bed attempt, I try to avoid the computer/TV and just read.