Benefits of Reading before Bed

As technology becomes more accessible, more people are giving up the old-fashioned pre-bedtime activity of reading in favour of scrolling through social media or just playing on their phones in general.

By now, though, the cat’s out of the proverbial bag—using electronics before bedtime is actually pretty detrimental to your sleep. It’s no wonder, then, that more adults are than ever are getting fewer hours of sleep, with many suffering from chronic insomnia.

So why not give yourself a break and pick up a book before bed? You don’t have to go full-on Jane Austen if you’re not into that kind of thing—just something light-hearted and calming can do the trick. Not only will it help lull you into a more relaxed state for a solid night’s sleep, but it also offers countless other benefits.

And those benefits are what we’re highlighting today. So, without further ado, here are five reasons why reading before bed is a great idea:

Improved Focus & Memory

As any student can tell you, it’s incredibly difficult to concentrate on studying when your brain is completely fried. Reading helps to force your mind to stay active as you focus on the story and its characters while also helping to register and store information in your long-term memory.

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Reading can be a great escape, allowing you to step away from all the stressors of your day and into a world of words. This helps to reduce anxiety levels and can even help your body relax more quickly before bedtime.

Enhanced Imagination

Reading helps to unleash your creativity, allowing you to create and explore new worlds in your mind. This can inspire you to come up with creative solutions for the problems that you face in life, as well as give you a much-needed mental break from reality.

Improved Sleep Quality

We’ve already mentioned this one, but it’s worth repeating—reading helps to reduce the amount of stimulatory activity that comes from using electronics before bed. This can help you drift off into a deeper sleep, which will leave you feeling more refreshed in the morning.

Better Moods

Reading lightens your mood and keeps your sense of humour in check. The combination of mental stimulation and relaxation can help to keep your spirits up, even after a long day. And since reading helps lower stress, you’ll have the edge you need to tackle the next day with a positive attitude.

Bottom Line: It Pays to Read (In More Ways than One)

The evidence is clear—reading before bed is a great idea, and not just for sleep. There are so many other benefits to be gained from this simple activity, so why not give it a try? It could be the difference-maker you need in your sleep routine.