How Reading Before Bed Can Improve Your Sleep Quality

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep? If so, you're not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 30% of adults in the United States experience occasional insomnia, and up to 10% have chronic insomnia. [1]

Many people turn to various options to help them sleep faster. However, reading a good book is one of the most simple and enjoyable ways to prepare your mind and body for sleep. But does it really work?

Not only can reading help you get sleepy faster, there are many other benefits to reading before bed, such as stress relief, increased vocabulary and empathy, improved memory and focus, improved sleep quality, and a healthier brain.

We'll explore whether reading helps you fall asleep and why it may be an effective sleep aid.

The Science Behind Reading and Sleep

Research has shown that reading before bed can help you get tired and improve the quality of your sleep. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that reading for just six minutes before bed can decrease stress levels by up to 68%. [2]

This is because it uses your brain in a way that isn’t taxing enough to be stressful but still stimulates your mind. So, while you relax and read, the information gets processed and stored in a non-stressful way.

Read Study: The Advantages of Reading Books [3]

Additionally, reading can lower your heart rate, slow your breathing, and help you relax, all helpful for falling asleep.

Which is Best: Fiction or Non-fiction

It is generally best to read something relaxing before bed, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. Reading can be a great way to unwind and clear your mind before sleep.

Some people find that reading fiction helps them escape into a different world and forget about the stresses of the day, while others prefer nonfiction because it provides them with interesting information and can help them learn something new.

Ultimately, the best type of reading material to read before bed will depend on your personal preferences and what helps you relax.

Benefits of Reading Before Bed

Reading before bed has many benefits beyond just helping you sleep better. For example, it can be a great way to unwind after a busy day, improving your mood and reducing stress. A recent study concluded that reading before going to sleep improved sleep quality compared to not. [4]

Tip: It’s no secret that scrolling through social media or using electronic devices before bed can mess with your sleep quality.

Reduce Stress

By the end of the day, your brain can feel like it's running on overdrive, thoughts racing, overthinking to-do lists for the next day, and everyday stress. This can make it tough to wind down before going to bed..

Some people believe that reading a good book can be helpful. You don’t have to read for hours or try to complete the book in one sitting. Even if you read for just six minutes before bed, it has been shown to reduce stress levels by up to 68%. It doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece, either.

Whether it’s a thriller or a random how-to guide, if it pulls your focus away from daily stressors, it’s doing the job.

Boost Imagination

Books launch you into new worlds, fresh ideas, and unfamiliar perspectives. One chapter, and suddenly you're exploring galaxies, ancient cities, or someone else’s wildly different life.

It’s not just about escaping, it’s about expanding. Reading stretches your imagination, sparks creativity, and makes space for new ways of thinking. Whether you're chasing inspiration or just curious about something new, books keep your brain in discovery mode.

Did You Know: A study shows reading books stimulates your imagination more than binge-watching your favorite TV shows.

Gain Better Sleep

Ever noticed how you can start nodding off while reading—even faster if the material isn’t exactly a page-turner? But even a good book can lull you to sleep if your body’s ready to wind down. It’s like your brain sees the quiet focus as a cue to hit pause.

Did You Know: 42% of the participants reported that their sleep improved when they read a book before bed. [5]

Remember your childhood. Bedtime stories are a cherished ritual for many young children, who insist on hearing a tale before drifting off to sleep. But why should this practice be limited to children? There's no reason why adults can't also enjoy the soothing comfort of a bedtime story to help them relax and prepare for restful sleep.

Reading a Book to Children at Bedtime

A study revealed that 81% of parents reported that reading to their kids helps the children fall asleep and the parents themselves. [6]

It’s a common ritual, with 63% of parents saying they read to their children regularly, averaging about four nights a week. And the best part? Nearly 80% of parents are sharing the same stories they loved as kids, keeping classic tales alive for a new generation.

Better Concentration

There are many reasons why getting lost in a book can improve our concentration. Reading a book requires a certain level of focus and mental engagement, which can help to sharpen our attention and improve our ability to concentrate.

Additionally, when we read a book, we often immerse ourselves in a single, sustained activity for an extended period, which can promote deeper concentration. Finally, it's a mental exercise that can help to strengthen our cognitive abilities, including our capacity for sustained attention and focus.

Improve Your Vocabulary

Reading books can help improve your vocabulary. Books expose you to words you probably don’t hear in everyday conversation, expanding your language without even trying.

And since you’re likely more relaxed before bed, your brain is better able to soak in and remember those new words.

Reduce Blue Light Exposure

Swapping screen time for a physical book at bedtime is a smart move. It can help reduce exposure to blue light. The blue light from your phones, tablets, and e-readers can hinder your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

One study found that people who used their phones right before bed took longer to fall asleep than those who didn’t use them at all. [7] So, give it a try, grab a book instead of your phone, it’s better for your sleep.

Choosing the Right Type of Book

Choosing the right book is crucial if you want to use reading as a sleep aid. A book that is too exciting or stimulating can have the opposite effect and keep you awake.

Instead, try one that is a calming and relaxing activity, such as a book on mindfulness or a romance novel. Remember that e-readers can emit blue light, which can interrupt your sleep cycles. So, select an old-fashioned paper book for the best results.

Book Tip: When you choose a book, avoid books with plots that are too action-packed or complicated. Also, books with too many characters and lots of dialogue because they're more likely to keep you awake.

Tips for Reading to Fall Asleep

If you want to start reading before bed to see if it can help improve your sleep, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more effective:

• Establish a regular bedtime routine. It's important to try to read at the same time every night. Doing so can help let your body know it's time to wind down.
• Create a relaxing environment. Before you start, dim the lights, make sure your room temperature is cool and quiet, and get comfortable with a pillow and blankets. Bright lights can stimulate your brain.
• Sometimes we can lose track of time because we're so interested in the book; setting a timer is recommended so you don't read too late.

Sleep Tip: It's best to read no longer than 30 minutes at a time—but even better if you split that into four 15-minute increments! That way, your brain will have time to wind down before falling asleep (and won't be trying so hard when it does).

Print vs. Digital Books

There’s something special about a real book. The feel of the pages, the quiet sound as you turn them, even that familiar bookish smell, all add to a calming, sensory experience that can help you unwind right before bedtime.

Additionally, reading a physical book can help reduce your exposure to blue light, which can interfere with your natural sleep cycle. Most e-readers emit blue light, which has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

E-readers can offer several advantages over paper books, particularly regarding convenience and accessibility. You can carry an entire library of books wherever you go and adjust the font size and style to suit your preferences. Many have built-in lighting that can be adjusted to reduce eye strain and help you read comfortably in low-light environments, such as your bedroom.

Ultimately, your best choice may depend on your preferences and sleep habits. If you find that reading a paper book helps you relax and fall asleep more quickly, stick with that. If you prefer the convenience and portability of an e-reader, that may be a better choice for you.

What About Audiobooks?

A study by researchers at the University of Florida and Harvard Medical School found that listening to audiobooks helps individuals with insomnia feel at ease and fall asleep faster.

Participants who listened to an audiobook before bedtime felt more relaxed, slept better, and had less trouble falling asleep than those who didn't listen to an audiobook.

Why Bedtime Reading May Not Work for Everyone

While reading before bed is generally considered a safe and effective way to fall asleep, it may only work for some. For example, if you have a condition such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, it may not be enough to help.

Top Books on Sleep & Sleep Hacks

1. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, Matthew Walker
2. The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It, W. Chris Winter, MD P.S. We’re fans of page 110 :)
3. Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-class Performers , Tim Ferriss (We love pages 139-140 where Tim talks about the Chilipad)
4. Life Force: How New Breakthroughs in Precision Medicine Can Transform the Quality of Your Life & Those You Love , Tony Robbins, Peter H Diamandis, Robert Hariri (Chilipad is mentioned in Chapter 13)
5. Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body & Defy Aging , Ben Greenfield
6. The Energy Formula , Shawn Wells (Again - we’re blushing as Shawn mentions us on pages 210 & 225).

Conclusion

We know it can be difficult to get into the habit of falling asleep with a book in hand, but there are so many benefits of reading before bed! It's a great way to improve sleep quality while enjoying an activity before bed.

So if you’ve been wondering about a new way to get a good sleep, consider picking up your favorite novel next time you go to bed. It can help encourage better sleep and improve mental health by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.