6 Minutes to Slumber

It's official: reading before bed has been proven to promote better sleep. Unlike many modern ways of consuming info such as phones and TV, it doesn't stimulate the brain into staying awake.

Discover the benefits of taking a book to bed, and how this can fit in with a good sleep routine below.

6 Minutes to Slumber: How reading can help you fall asleep. Reading before bed is proven to help reduce stress, helping you fall asleep faster. It's the perfect addition to your nightly routine, as it offers a variety of different benefits and requires no expensive equipment, membership, or subscription. The benefits of reading before bed: In a study at the University of Sussex, Cognitive Neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis found that reading can reduce stress by as much as 68% — that’s more than listening to music or going for a walk. By reducing stress, you’re more likely to drift into sleep and stay asleep for longer. Reading: 68% Listening to music: 61% Drinking tea: 54% Walking: 42% What to read if...: You need to de-stress Howards End - by E.M. Forster This classic novel provides a snapshot of class and society in turn-of-the-century England, offering a chance to relax and focus on a completely different time and place, distracting you from your daily stresses. Tip: Choose a classic novel for a calm and reflective escape, rather than a thriller that can get your heart racing. You struggle to fall asleep: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling Studies have shown that reading a familiar book before bed can help your mind relax and focus on a story, rather than stressing about tomorrow’s to-do list. Tip: Reading a childhood book will help you remember the excitement of discovering the story while soothing you to sleep. You fall asleep reading All the Beloved Ghosts - by Alison MacLeod This collection of short stories from the Man Booker Prize longlist is perfect for those who tend to drift off before finishing a chapter, offering bite-sized fiction with plenty of dreamlike magic. Tip: Try reading short stories or collections of essays if you often fall asleep in the middle of a novel. You want to be more creative Big Magic - by Elizabeth Gilbert This self-help book is incredibly inspiring for those who want to inject more creativity into their lives. It offers tips on how to embrace your curiosity, overcome fear, and follow your creative path. Tip: Books related to self-development and creativity can inspire a more imaginative dream state. You want to learn something new Names for the Sea - by Sarah Moss This memoir of Moss’s year in Iceland offers fascinating insight into Icelandic society and geography, making it perfect for those who want to be transported to a new place. Tip: Reading non-fiction before bed can help you learn new things as your brain processes information while you sleep. Making reading a part of your nightly routine Pick a set time: Studies show that establishing a set bedtime and wake-up time can help you sleep better, and adding reading into your routine can support this. Choose a relaxing book: Read something that isn’t too stimulating or exciting; otherwise, you might have trouble falling asleep. Put your phone away: Keep distractions like your phone, laptop, or tablet in another room to avoid the temptation to check them while reading. Find a comfortable spot: Create a cozy reading nook with plenty of pillows and blankets, and make sure you’re not straining your neck or back. Quotes about reading: "It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it." — Oscar Wilde "There is no friend as loyal as a book." — Ernest Hemingway "My best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read." — Abraham Lincoln "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go." — Dr. Seuss Sources: Studies and research from: sleepadvisor.org Forbes.com University of Sussex

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6 Minutes to Slumber

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