DEAR ABBY: My husband of two years, "Cash," can't fall asleep or stay asleep unless the TV is on -- any show, any channel, even infomercials. I am the opposite. The noise keeps me awake, and I have heard it's not good to have a TV in the bedroom.
We compromised by getting a remote with a timer. I can give up the 60 or 90 minutes he needs to fall asleep. But he frequently wakes up in the middle of the night and turns the TV back on, or moves to the couch to watch the TV there.
I asked Cash if he'd remove the TV from our bedroom. His response was, "Well, I guess I'll be sleeping on the couch a lot." I'd love to keep my husband in bed, but I'd also like to get some rest. Advice, Abby? -- SLEEP-DEPRIVED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR SLEEP-DEPRIVED: Yes. There must be a reason for your husband's irregular sleep habits. He should discuss with his doctor the fact that he can't sleep through the night. He may have a physical problem or a sleep disorder. In order for both of you to function in your waking lives, it's important that you are well-rested.