Reading Before Bed Can Improve Your Sleep
It’s no secret that sleep is a vital part of our overall wellness. Unfortunately, many people struggle to get a good night’s rest and suffer as a result. One of the best ways to help you get the sleep you need is by reading before bed.
The process of reading helps ease the mind and body, allowing you to drift off into a relaxed and peaceful state. Reading is also a great way to clear your mind of the day’s stressors, making it easier to drift off into a deep sleep. Plus, reading is a natural way to become more aware of your body’s cues so you can recognize when it’s time to turn in for the night.
Reading can also help stimulate your imagination. Research shows that those who read regularly have a better chance of experiencing better quality sleep. This is because imagination and relaxation spawn deeper sleep, since those states are required for quality rest.
Relax Through Reading
One of the key aspects of reading before bed is relaxation. That’s why the type of material matters. You should choose calm books, stories, or materials such as magazines and articles, that make you feel relaxed and ready to sleep.
Reading for too long can also be a problem, however. If you’re reading for too long, you may become overly stimulated which will make it harder to sleep. Be aware of your body’s cues, and stop reading if you’re feeling too awake or stimulated.
Take Advantages of Technology
If you’re having a hard time wrapping up the latest novel or can’t seem to keep your eyes open while trying to make it through a magazine article, don’t hesitate to take advantage of technology to help you relax.
Exploring audio books, podcasts and online courses can all help reduce your stress levels and slow your activities down to a more intentional level. This allows you to spend those last moments of daylight listening to something interesting, educating or calming in order to prepare your body for sleep.
You should also consider avoiding screens for an hour or two before you head to bed. The blue light emitted from your device can keep melatonin levels low, ultimately making it harder for you to regulate your body’s sleep and wake cycles.
Get Comfortable
Finally, make sure you’re getting comfortable! Wear comfortable clothing and ditch the electronics to give you a natural, calming atmosphere. Consider surrounding yourself with soothing colors, aromatherapy diffusers and comfy furniture to help you completely relax before bed.
Benefits of Reading Before Bed:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Allows relaxation
- Improves quality of sleep
- Stimulates imagination
- Provides avenues for entertainment
Conclusion
Reading before bed can not only reduce your stress and provide entertainment, but it can also support your body’s natural sleep cycle in order to help you get the best possible sleep each night. Try incorporating this simple nighttime routine into your bedtime and observe your sleep become more restful and effective.