Many book lovers enjoy reading at night, especially since we’re less likely to be bombarded by work or family obligations at this time, and more able to focus on unwinding from the day.
As we’ll discuss in this post, reading at night comes with several key benefits, but also a few challenges. We’ll help you stay comfortable with our bedtime reading tips, including where to find accessories like reading lights.
Tips for Reading at Night
These 6 tips will help make reading at night the best part of your bedtime routine!
1. Choose a quiet place.
Reading at night can help relax your brain, reduce stress, and prepare your body for a good night’s sleep. As much as we’re encouraged to “do it all,” our brains actually aren’t made for multitasking, so don’t try to divide your attention, especially before bed.
Switch off the TV, lower the music, and place your phone at a safe enough distance that you won’t fall down the rabbit hole that is social media scrolling.
If there are pets or young children fighting for your attention, you’re better off waiting for a quieter time, like after they’re asleep. Otherwise you might find yourself never making it more than two paragraphs into your book!
2. Find a comfortable position.
Next, you’ll want to find a comfortable position, whether you’re reading in bed, on the couch, or in a chair. Getting comfy is important not only for your , but also for your ability to fall asleep afterward.
Support your back and neck by using pillows to prop yourself up. Slouching (which is easy to do in bed without proper support) can lead to bad posture, and even pain the next day.
Luckily there are reading chairs and reading pillows designed just for the comfort of book lovers! You can also try adjusting positions every 30–45 minutes to avoid poor posture.
3. Opt for print, if possible.
According to BBC, in 2014 a team of Harvard specialists found it took readers longer to fall asleep if they read at night from a back-lit e-reader, as opposed to readers who read traditional print books. This also led to poorer sleep quality and increased tiredness the next morning.
However, the study notes that original Kindles do not emit light, and therefore should be fine to read before bed. Other e-readers, tablets, and smart phones tend to emit blue light, which can disrupt your natural body clock.
Another great reason to avoid scrolling through social media before bed!
4. Invest in a reading light.
If sitting in a well-lit room isn’t an option, then you may want to invest in a small reading light that to attach to your book so you can read easily without straining your eyes.
Trying to read in the dark without adequate lighting is not only uncomfortable, but it can damage your eyes and cause long-term problems.
Reading lights are conveniently designed to keep the light source directly over the book, so you don’t have to worry about waking anyone else in the room.
5. Avoid thumb cramps with this page holder.
Do you ever lie in bed reading, trying to hold your place with one hand? If so, then you know how uncomfortable and straining that can be on your thumb.
Fortunately, someone has already invented a solution to this reading-related hazard. We present: the wooden thumb placeholder!
This handy tool allows readers to either lie a book flat without losing their place, or hold a book open comfortably with one hand.
6. Try reading out loud.
If you’re worried about falling asleep or losing focus when you’re tired, try reading out loud. This strategy has also been proven to help you better remember what you’ve read.
However, this method might not be very considerate if others are trying to sleep around you. Also, if you’re really finding it difficult to stay awake, you should probably listen to your body and take a break. After all, your book will still be there for you tomorrow!
Is Reading Good Before Bed?
Reading comes with many benefits, including a stronger memory and better ability to focus. It’s also known to reduce stress, which is pretty important if you’re trying to catch some Zzz’s.
One study by the University of Sussex showed that, after raising one group of participants’ stress levels, they were able to lower them by 60% with just 6 minutes of reading.
A great story or fascinating nonfiction read can quickly take your mind off all the troubles of the day so you can power down and prepare for tomorrow. What could be more relaxing than curling up in bed with a good book and a hot cup of tea or cocoa?
However, you should probably avoid any materials that you may find troubling, as well as riveting thrillers that will keep your heart and mind racing throughout the night.
How Long Should You Read Before Bed?
A 2009 study found that 30 minutes of reading was associated with lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as significant reductions in overall stress.
However, in the previously referenced University of Sussex study, just 6 minutes proved enough to lower stress levels by up to 60%, so it seems that any amount of time spent reading before bed can help to significantly calm you, and perhaps even lower your blood pressure. Just make sure you’re not pushing yourself to stay up too late!
Develop a Reading Routine
Reading at night can help you get a better night’s rest and reduce your stress levels so you can feel recharged and ready for the next day.
But regardless of whatever time you choose to read, you’ll still be able to enjoy the many cognitive and health benefits of reading. In order to read more books, try developing a routine and commit to reading for even just 15 minutes each day around the same time. Your mind and body will thank you!
Do you like to read at night? Share your tips in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 13 Best Reading Chairs to Help You Read in Comfort
- 12 Reading Pillows for the Ultimate Comfort While Reading
- How to Adopt the Reading Habits of Successful People
- How to Read More Books: 16 Tips to Help You Reach Your Reading Goals
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
