Why watching movies in bed is a sure shot recipe for a bad back

London: A new study has revealed that watching movies in bed on a laptop or tablet is bad for backs.

According to the study by the British Chiropractic Association, nearly half of Britons use the gadgets before dropping off to sleep, while three-fifths also watch TV in bed and eight in 10 of those spend up to four hours glued to the screen, the Daily Express reported.

The study found that hours spent hunched up or slumped over tiny screens with unsupported spines can damage posture, lead to poor sleep and cause back or neck pain.

BCA chiropractor Tim Hutchful said that 48 per cent of people can't sleep and many of his patients will resort to a laptop or a mobile phone to help them sleep, for example to watch a film, but this could further prevent them from sleeping.

BCA is urging Britons to make bedrooms tech free zones to improve sleep quality and better posture.

The study suggests that if people are using gadgets in bed, they must ensure their back is supported with a pillow and the device is at eye level.