Instead of endless scrolling through social media or watching series, just a few pages of a book before bed can reduce stress, speed up falling asleep, and support brain function. Here are three reasons why reading should become your evening habit.
Reading Helps You Fall Asleep Faster
Just 10–20 minutes of reading a paper book before bed helps the body understand that it's time to rest. A paper book works better than gadgets because screens emit blue light, which suppresses the production of melatonin—the sleep hormone.
Reading Reduces Stress
Even six pages of fiction can reduce stress levels by almost 70%. Reading shifts attention from problems to the plot, lowers cortisol, and increases the "happiness hormones"—serotonin and dopamine. As a result, thoughts calm down, the body relaxes, and falling asleep becomes easier.
Reading Supports Brain Function
A book is a workout for the brain. Reading stimulates memory, improves concentration, and enhances critical thinking. With regular practice, the brain works comprehensively: areas responsible for vision, auditory imagination, and emotions are activated, and neural connections are strengthened.
Why a Book is Better than a Phone or TV
Screens often become a "trap," leading into an endless stream of videos and series, overwhelming the brain and interfering with sleep. It’s better to give up gadgets 1.5–2 hours before bedtime and replace them with reading—even 15 minutes of a paper book is more beneficial than an hour on the phone.
Reading as an Evening Ritual
- Choose a book that is interesting and calming.
- Create an atmosphere: dim light, a blanket, a cup of herbal tea.
- Set a "literary alarm" to avoid extending reading until midnight.
Reading before bed is a small investment in health: better sleep, less stress, and a clear mind for years to come.
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