With the rise of Booktok, it’s no surprise that people are putting their phones away in favour of reading books again. There are many advantages of prioritising reading, especially when it comes to sleep.

Here are our top 3 reasons to read before bed

1. Less blue light

When you’re staring at a screen, you’re absorbing blue light. Blue light neurologically inhibits sleepiness by suppressing melatonin, the sleep hormone. On top of this, our phone notifications make for constant stimulation and distraction.

2. Escapism

Reading is a natural form of escapism. It can distract us from the concerns that keep us up at night by allowing us to focus on the story in front of us. Our heart rate and blood pressure go down, and we feel calm and relaxed. This results in deeper, more restful sleep.

3. Consistent bedtime

A regular bedtime schedule helps to regulate your circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at consistent times. A consistent routine can impact every aspect of your life and help you feel wide awake and alert throughout the day.

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In conclusion, reading a book before bed is a healthy habit to develop. It can provide numerous sleep benefits, including the avoidance of blue light, the promotion of relaxation and the establishment of a consistent bedtime routine.

Instead of scrolling through your phone before bed, try picking up a book and reaping the benefits.