Does Reading Before Bed Help?

Ask anybody you know for tips for better sleep, and odds are they’ll have at least a few ideas to offer up. But before you start changing up your entire sleep routine, there’s one small thing you can do to combat insomnia and improve your sleep: reading before bedtime.

Does Reading Before Bed Help You Sleep Better?

According to a 2009 study conducted by researchers at the University of Sussex, reading before bed can be the ideal way to wind down and set the stage for a great night’s sleep. The researchers discovered that even just six minutes with a good book can cut stress by two-thirds, helping you relax and prepare your mind and body for quality sleep.

During the sleep study, reading was compared with other popular relaxation methods including listening to music, having a warm drink, or going for a walk. Interestingly, reading came out as the most effective stress reduction method for both physical and mental stressors. Most psychologists attribute the power of reading to the fact that, while you’re reading a book, your mind engages in a positive distraction. As you focus on the literary world between the pages, the tension in your muscles, mind, and heart are naturally eased.

So, if reading is a good idea before going to sleep, does that mean you should scroll your social media news feed freely? Not so fast – it’s a well-proven fact that the blue light emitted from screens actually negatively impacts sleep. Instead, cozy up with an old-fashioned book – or an e-reader with blue light cancellation – and settle in for the night.

Benefits of Reading Before Bed

In addition to providing a calming distraction to prepare your mind for restful sleep, reading before bed also delivers a few other benefits:

Reading can be a positive part of a bedtime routine. A structured bedtime routine is an important part of building good sleep health, and making reading a regular habit can help your mind and body prepare for rest. If you don’t currently have a specific routine before bed, try incorporating one positive habit – like reading – at a time. A consistent routine communicates to your brain that it’s time to sleep, helping it decompress from a busy day.
Bedtime reading can help you avoid screen time temptation. We all know how easy it is to find yourself accidentally browsing your phone apps well past bedtime, but making reading a habit can help you ditch the bad habit. Instead of mindless scrolling, you’ll be engaging in a healthier behavior that optimizes rather than detracts from your sleep.

Boost Your Sleep Health with a High-Quality Mattress from MATTRESS360

While there are many ways to help improve your quality of sleep, the best option is investing in a premium mattress.

When it comes to shopping for the best mattress Glendale has to offer, the customers have spoken: MATTRESS 360 is the top sleep store in the Valley. Here, you can find a wide selection of high-quality mattresses and sleep accessories to choose from, making it easy to find options that suit your needs. We know that when you’re searching for the best mattress, Phoenix-area sleep stores often take advantage of your time and budget – but at MATTRESS360, we always put the customer first. Our experienced team is happy to help guide you through the shopping process and provide a hassle-free, no-pressure experience.

Come into MATTRESS360 today to learn more about sleep and how a better night’s sleep is within reach.