Time for Bedtime Shema
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Question
Hello Rabbi, Is it necessary for the Bedtime Shema to be recited while the person is in bed, or can it be done elsewhere in the house? And how long after the person goes to bed should it be recited?
Answer
Hello Rabbi
There is no need to recite it directly on the bed.
It should be close to bedtime, meaning not to engage in other activities between the recitation and sleep.
Source
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 239, S"K 3:
Close to his bed - and one should not recite the Shema when lying down to sleep, but when he sees that sleep is coming upon him [Sdei Chemed], but in Knesset HaGedolah it is written that one should recite immediately, lest sleep overtake him later and he does not recite, and there is no concern for interruption unless engaging in other activities in between, but sitting and being silent is not considered an interruption, even if some time passes before sleeping: