Activity after reciting Shema before bed | Bedtime Shema | Sheilot

Activity after reciting Shema before bed

Question

Sometimes at night, when I cannot fall asleep, I only fall asleep when I watch a video and fall asleep while watching it. But after reciting Shema before bed it is forbidden to watch a video. In this case, is it permitted to recite Shema to fulfill my obligation, and then after Shema to watch the video and fall asleep while watching it?

Answer

Shalom u'vracha.

After reciting Shema, it is permitted to engage in something else if you did not recite “Hamapil.”

One should not engage in anything at all between reciting the blessing of “Hamapil” and going to sleep.

However, if it is something that only helps one fall asleep, and not a lengthy activity, it is permitted.

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