How Reading Before Bed Can Transform Your Sleep Routine
How Reading Before Bed Can Transform Your Sleep Routine
If your evenings are filled with scrolling through your phone or binge-watching TV, you’re not alone. But if restful, rejuvenating sleep feels more like a dream than a reality, it might be time to rethink your bedtime routine. Enter: reading before bed.
At I Was Today Years Old, we believe in simple, positive habits that can improve your life. Reading before bed isn’t just a relaxing pastime—it’s a game-changer for your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Here’s why picking up a book might be the secret ingredient for your best night’s sleep yet.
It Helps You Unwind
Reading is a natural way to disconnect from the stresses of the day. Immersing yourself in a good story or thought-provoking nonfiction gives your mind a gentle transition from "go, go, go" mode to a more relaxed state.
Pro Tip: Choose calming or feel-good reads at bedtime to avoid overstimulation. A cozy novel or self-help book is better than an intense thriller right before lights out.
It Reduces Screen Time
Scrolling through your phone or watching TV before bed exposes your eyes to blue light, which can suppress melatonin production and keep you wide awake. Swapping screens for a physical book or an e-reader with a warm light setting can help your body recognize it’s time to wind down.
It Improves Mental Clarity
Bedtime reading doesn’t just calm your mind—it helps clear it. By focusing on the words on the page, you’re giving your brain a break from worries and to-do lists, which makes it easier to drift into dreamland.
It Establishes a Routine
A consistent bedtime routine signals your brain that it’s time to prepare for sleep. Incorporating 20–30 minutes of reading each night can be a soothing ritual that helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
It Boosts Sleep Quality
Studies have shown that people who read before bed experience better sleep quality. The act of reading lowers your heart rate and reduces stress, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
How to Get Started
Ready to make reading part of your nightly routine? Here’s how:
Set the Mood: Create a cozy environment with soft lighting, a comfortable chair or bed, and a blanket.
Choose the Right Book: Stick to relaxing genres that leave you feeling calm and uplifted.
Keep It Consistent: Aim to read at the same time every night to help establish a habit.
Limit Distractions: Put your phone on silent or leave it in another room to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Book Recommendations for Better Sleep
Not sure what to read? Here are a few suggestions perfect for bedtime:
Sweet Dreams Are Just a Page Away
Incorporating reading into your bedtime routine is a small change with big rewards. Not only can it help you sleep better, but it also allows you to carve out a moment of peace and positivity in your day.
At I Was Today Years Old, we’re all about habits that make life better—and we think this is one worth trying. So tonight, ditch the phone, grab a book, and cozy up. Sweet dreams await!
Have you tried reading before bed? Share your experience or book recommendations in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! 📖✨