The benefits of reading a book before bed

In this guide, we take a look at the potential benefits of reading before bed, along with the genres you should be incorporating into your bedtime routine. We’ve even got a few recommendations for your reading list!

The benefits of reading a book before bed

Sleep certainly has a big part to play when it comes to your mental health. Getting a good night’s sleep can help to keep your mind and body healthy, and reading before bed has a big part to play in that.

10-30% of adults are estimated to suffer from insomnia, with sleep apnea, sleep paralysis and narcolepsy also significantly impacting our sleep schedules. If you’re struggling to get to sleep at night, or you’d like to improve the quality of your sleep, here’s why you should try reading before bed.

1. Reading improves sleep quality

If you’re curious about improving the quality of your sleep, reading a book before bed could hold the answer. A recent study by The People's Trial found that reading a book before going to sleep positively impacts the quality of your sleep when compared to not reading at all. So the next time you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, try picking up a book before bed to awaken your best.

2. Reading reduces stress

Reading a book before bed has also been shown to reduce stress levels. In fact, getting lost in your favourite novel for just 30 minutes has been shown to have a significant impact on decreasing acute stress levels. 

3. Reading helps you sleep longer

Did you know staying up to read a book could actually help you sleep longer? Although it might sound contradictory, reading has been shown to have a positive impact on the amount of sleep you’re getting. However, it’s probably best to start reading at least 30 minutes before your usual bedtime for the best night’s sleep.

4. Reading boosts cognitive function and creativity

Interestingly, reading before bed can also help to improve the cognitive function of your brain and boost your creativity. One study found that reading before bedtime can improve your vocabulary, word knowledge and improve your reasoning skills in the real world. We can certainly get on board with that.

So, the next time you get in bed, why not put down your phone and opt for a good book instead?

What are the best books to read before bed?

If you’re looking to make reading before bed a daily habit, choose the genre of your reads wisely. Certain genres are better than others when it comes to bedtime reading, but it can also come down to personal preference. When choosing a book to read before going to sleep, you should be careful not to select topics that could cause excitement, either physical (increased heartbeat, rapid breathing etc.) or psychological (anxiety, worry, fear etc.). 

1. Sleep and meditation

We recommend starting with books around sleep and meditation for a truly relaxing night’s sleep. Allow your mind to relax as you drift off in the comfort of your sheets.

Sleep Science by Emma recommends: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down (by Haemin Sunim) and The Little Book of Meditation (by Patrizia Collard).

2. Self-help and motivation

When it comes to self-help and motivation, there are few things that come close to a great book. What you read before bedtime can remain fresh in your mind for the next day, helping you to awaken your best and seize the day ahead!

Sleep Science by Emma recommends: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before (by Dr Julie Smith) and The Comfort Book (by Matt Haig).

3. Bedtime stories for kids and adults

If you’re a parent, reading a book to your children before bed is likely part of your routine. But did you know you too could benefit from reading to your children? There are few things that come close to the nostalgia of being tucked in bed as a child, listening to a relaxing bedtime story. 

One study even found that mothers had more positive interactions with their children after reading to them before bed.

Sleep Science by Emma recommends: Noah's Gold (by Frank Cottrel Boyce) and The World's Worst Pets (by David Walliams).

4. Classic and contemporary fiction

Everybody loves a great fiction book. Fiction often comes with a certain level of nostalgia or excitement, which can certainly help you feel content before drifting off. However, be sure to choose wisely as page turners may actually keep you awake for longer.

Sleep Science by Emma recommends: The Catcher in the Rye (by J. D. Salinger) and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (by Taylor Jenkins Reid).

5. Health and wellness 

Health and wellness books are also a great genre to incorporate into your bedtime routine, particularly if you’re interested in improving your physical or mental health.

Sleep Science by Emma recommends: How Not to Die (By Michael Greger) and Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before (by Dr Julie Smith).

6. Looking for something a little more lighthearted?

Lighthearted reads are understandably a popular choice when it comes to bedtime reading. Whether you’re lost in an autobiography or are reading your favourite comedy book for a third time, a lighthearted read can be a great way to escape reality before bedtime.

Sleep Science by Emma recommends: This Much is True (by Miriam Margolyes) and You and Me on Vacation (by Emily Henry).

Should I listen to audiobooks before bed?

If you’re searching for a different way to unwind before bed, audiobooks can be a great place to start. They offer all the benefits of reading a physical copy of your favourite book, but with the added bonus of resting your eyes before bedtime and helping your brain switch off. 

Anxiety UK has even found that audiobooks with a calming voice can provide companionship and a relaxing influence before bed, helping to reduce anxiety and panic. 

For a soothing listen before bed, here are our top 5 relaxing audiobooks to fall asleep to:

1. H is for Hawk, written and narrated by Helen Macdonald.
2. The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and narrated by Jake Gyllenhaal.
3. Atonement, written by Ian McEwan and narrated by Carole Boyd.
4. A Field Guide To Lucid Dreaming, written by Dylan Tuccillo, Jared Zeizel and Thomas Peisel, Narrated by Andy Paris.
5. The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe, written by C. S. Lewis and narrated by Michael York.