The Benefits of Reading Before Bed

Jason BoogMarch 15, 2024

We celebrated World Sleep Day in March, the perfect time to reflect on your nighttime habits. I want to talk about the most essential part of my evening routine: reading in bed.As a writer and a reader who has grown up with an ever-increasing set of digital distractions, I used to fall asleep bathed in the blue light of my phone or tablet as I scrolled through social media. Without reading a single piece of research, I knew it was terrible for my brain to get caught up in this addictive cycle of endless scrolling and content consumption, especially right before going to sleep. So I decided to start reading books in bed instead, switching to my most recent Fable read to de-stress and relax. This simple change has had a profound impact on my sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep without the nagging insomnia and anxiety of my social media feeds. Reading books lulls my brain into a state of tranquility, free from the constant stimulation of social media.

What are the benefits of reading every night?

I haven't stopped scrolling through social media, I just don't do it before sleeping anymore. While browsing the Books subreddit, I found a whole crew of fellow travelers who read books before bed instead of scrolling.One Reddit user Foz90 wrote about the value of reading (and getting off Reddit) at night:

"Nothing better than reading a book rather than yet another random comment chain on Reddit about something mildly interesting but also completely forgettable. This post is a useful reminder that it’s 10pm so I should get off Reddit and return to my current book!"

"The algorithms jamming content in your face so you won't stop looking," wrote another user. "It's a miracle any of us sleep at all."Here are just a few of the many benefits of reading a book before bed that researchers have discovered...

While some Reddit users found it hard to put down a captivating book, most of us agreed that we'd found at least some of these benefits of reading before bed on our sleep and overall well-being. Beyond those benefits listed above, a few other readers noted improvements like reduced eye strain, better focus, and a sense of calmness.

What type of book should I read before bed?

The Fable community knows that reading enhances mental performance, improves your vocabulary, and even makes you more empathetic. But did you know that reading can also help you sleep better? There are two basic kinds of books that can help you sleep — self-help books and relaxing books that lull you to sleep. The trick is to find the right type of book — and we are here to help!The great writer Jorge Luis Borges once wrote "I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books.” Surround yourself with some of these books tonight! What books should you read for better sleep?Start by reading a few self-improvement books focused on sleep habits and optimizing your sleep. These books are filled with tips and advice from experts, to help everyone sleep better, from babies to grown-ups.type: embedded-entry-inline id: 3dER7iTzcXq9aWRBtadZW0 At the same time, there are tons of great narrative books that can be very soothing to read at bedtime. They are often written in an easy, conversational tone that makes it easy to get lost in the story.type: embedded-entry-inline id: 1pS7YTXcf512HrqN7vHsKX

Is it good to listen to audiobooks while sleeping?

Personally, I think the act of reading a book is far more important than what medium you choose. Whether you prefer physical books, audiobooks, or e-readers, the benefits of bedtime books are profound. Discover the joy of escaping into different worlds, expanding your horizons, and experiencing the magic that comes when words on a page transport you to a place of tranquility and rest. If you need audiobook recommendations, one Reddit reader had a great suggestion:

"I listen to free audiobooks to fall asleep. Having my eyes closed gives me a jump on falling asleep. I’ve picked a good one for you guys. The Count of Monte Cristo."

I'd recommend a few more audiobooks that you can listen to for free! I linked to the YouTube readings of the free audiobooks for easy reference.

More book recommendations to help you sleep better, now on Fable

Maintain healthy sleeping patterns and gather a collection of lulling lore with these book clubs and folios of poetry, tales, short stories, and guides.

The Benefits of Reading Before Bed

What are the benefits of reading every night?

"Nothing better than reading a book rather than yet another random comment chain on Reddit about something mildly interesting but also completely forgettable. This post is a useful reminder that it’s 10pm so I should get off Reddit and return to my current book!"

What type of book should I read before bed?

Is it good to listen to audiobooks while sleeping?

"I listen to free audiobooks to fall asleep. Having my eyes closed gives me a jump on falling asleep. I’ve picked a good one for you guys. The Count of Monte Cristo."

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

More book recommendations to help you sleep better, now on Fable

Sunset Stories: Classic Poetry

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Exhalation by Ted Chiang

Fable Editorial