How can you solve the “sound vs. silence” dilemma when it comes to getting sleep?

Dear Faithmate Ethics Advisor,

My husband and I have an ongoing fight.  He likes to watch TV in bed and stays up really late watching.  I can’t stand the TV being on and can’t get sound sleep with the noise (and, no, earplugs don’t work).  He says that he works really hard and watching TV in bed is the only way he can fall asleep.  But I’m the opposite!  Who is right?  Is one of us destined to be tired all the time?

As a Christian, what would you do and why?

Faithmate’s Ethics Advisor says…

Noise or no noise at night is not a matter of right and wrong; it’s simply personal preference: Some people are lulled into relaxation by the sound of television, while for others it’s very disturbing when trying to get some shuteye.  Therefore, when it comes to issues where tastes are in opposition, you must defer to the “who can easier find relief?” rule.  Just as with the hot versus cold question (the person who is cold can bundle up, but it’s harder to find relief from heat), your husband can easier add sound than you can escape from it.  So on this one, you’re “right.”  I suggest he get himself a good pair of cordless headphones, which will allow him to watch and listen while you sleep in silence.  In fact, I suggest you buy them for him.

Of course, this is just one opinion!  As a Christian, do you agree or disagree?  Post your comments below…