E-Readers vs Physical Books: Which Is Better for Sleep?
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our overall health and wellbeing, and what we choose to do immediately before bedtime can have a big impact on how restful our sleep is. With technology it has become increasingly common for people to wind down with an e-reader instead of a physical book – but which is preferable for getting a good night’s sleep?
Research suggest the old-fashioned method of reading physical books before bed is actually much better for sleep. Traditional books require a certain amount of effort to read, as your eyes move across the page. Electronic reading, like streaming or scrolling on a device or e-reader, is much more stimulating, and this cancause trouble sleeping.
So, why exactly is physical book reading preferable for getting some quality shut-eye? Let’s take a closer look at the implications of e-readers versus physical books.
E-Readers: Stimulating Before Bedtime
Reading on an e-reader is a more stimulating activity than reading physical books. It requires the user to be more alert and engaged as their eyes follow the text up and down the device and alert them when to stop at the end of the page. Scrolling down can easily become an unconscious and repetitive activity, which can make it hard to get to a point of feeling sleepy.
Additionally, digital devices emit a certain amount of blue light that can make it harder for the brain to begin producing melatonin – the hormone that helps us to fall asleep naturally. As screen light has such a stimulating effect, it’s always a better choice to power down electronic devices at least an hour before bed, so your eyes can begin to adjust.
Physical Books: Relaxing Before Bedtime
Reading physical books, however, is much more conducive to sleep. The simple act of turning the pages and feeling the book in your hands can help you to settle down and the relaxing activity gives the brain the signal to begin to shut down. The physical act of tracking your place on the page can also be quite calming and work as a natural ‘break’ between day and night.
Reading physical books does not expose you to any blue light, which enables the body to begin producing the melatonin it needs to drift off to sleep. Reading physical books before bed, therefore, results in a much more restful and peaceful sleep.
Benefits of Reading Physical Books Before Bed
- Helps reduce stress
- Decreases alertness and encourages relaxation
- Allows for natural production of melatonin
- Lessens the impact of blue light
Conclusion
Reading physical books is a much better choice than reading an e-reader when it comes to winding down for the night. It enables the body to begin producing melatonin, reduces alertness and encourages relaxation. If you are looking for an easy way to fall into a more restful sleep, then alternatives to digital devices should always be your first choice.