Reading a book before bed can be a great way to unwind and get ready for sleep if you have trouble nodding off at the end of the day.
While sleeping patterns vary from person to person, reading before bed can induce a more relaxed state of mind. It can help you relax at the end of a long day.
Cognitive exercises, such as reading, strengthen the mind similarly to how physical exercise strengthens the body, according to Headspace.
This helps you form or visualize narratives, emphasizing imagination. This can help distract you from your mind's constant stress.
Screen time, such as that spent on a smartphone, tablet, or television, can be replaced with time spent reading before bed.
Blue light from electronics can disrupt sleep, according to a University of Haifa study. This blue light reduces melatonin and shortens sleep.
Reading puts you in that frame of mind without the stress, and before you know it, your sleep quality has improved as you find yourself unconsciously relaxing more each night.
Even if you only spend 20 minutes per night reading a good, calming book, you can improve your overall health, calm your mind, and sleep better.