A good night’s sleep is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are helpful aids and routines that we can all use to establish a healthy sleeping pattern and to start sleeping better.
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Struggling to fall asleep? You’re not alone. In today’s world of glowing screens, endless notifications, and mindless scrolling, switching off at night can feel impossible. But what if the secret to a better night’s sleep is as simple as picking up a book?
Reading before bed is one of the best ways to calm your mind, reduce stress, and ease into sleep — and unlike your phone, it won’t keep your brain buzzing long after you’ve turned out the lights.
Here are six reasons why you should make reading part of your bedtime routine — plus tips on how to make it a habit that sticks.
1. Reading Reduces Screen Time
Let’s face it — many of us spend our evenings glued to phones, tablets, or TVs. But that blue light you’re bathing in? It’s tricking your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, disrupting your body’s natural sleep cycle and slowing down the production of melatonin. TV’s, iPads and computers, amongst other devices, are all advised to be avoided for at least 90 minutes prior to sleep to prevent a restless night.
Picking up a book instead doomscrolling on your phone gives your brain a break from artificial light and endless notifications. It’s a screen-free way to wind down — and your sleep hormones (hello, melatonin) will thank you.
💡 Tip: Create a cosy reading nook in bed — complete with soft lighting, luxury bedding, and maybe even a calming scent to set the mood. Check out our home fragrances collection to get started.
2. Reading is a Natural Stress Reliever
Reading is known to have relaxing properties and getting lost in a novel can help with temporary escapism from stressful, real-life situations. Studies show that reading reduces stress by up to 68% – more effective than listening to music or going for a walk.
It is important to give our mind and bodies the TLC they need and keeping ourselves relaxed and focused on our mental health has many benefits for our health. When looking to de-stress, it’s wise to opt for a novel focused on a topic you love or are deeply interested in, or a non-fiction focused health and wellness book.
3. Reading Prepares Your Brain for Sleep
Our bodies love routines. When you read every night before bed, you’re creating a powerful cue for your brain that it’s time to wind down. Over time, this simple habit can make it easier to fall asleep — like Pavlov’s dogs, but with better pillows.
So instead of tossing and turning, you’ll start to associate reading with feeling sleepy, making it one of the simplest sleep hacks around.
4. It Can Improve Sleep Quality (Not Just Quantity)
It’s not just about falling asleep — it’s about sleeping well. Reading before bed helps calm racing thoughts, making it easier to enter deeper, more restorative sleep.
And better sleep means better mornings: more energy, sharper focus, and less chance of hitting snooze 47 times.
5. It Boosts Concentration
Reading is fundamental to a child’s development, teaching them to listen, communicate and focus from an early age. This is something that as an adult, we can continue to benefit from by reading too.
Dedicating time before bed to diving into a good book can help improve your vocabulary, keep the mind focused and help boost concentration.
6. It’s a Perfect Way to Create a Cozy Bedtime Ritual
Let’s be real — there’s something magical about getting into bed with a good book, surrounded by soft bedding and a calming atmosphere.
Reading becomes more than just a habit — it becomes a ritual of self-care, setting the scene for a great night’s sleep.
How to Make Reading Before Bed a Habit (and Actually Stick to It)
Thinking “This sounds great, but I’ll probably just end up scrolling TikTok again”? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s how to make bedtime reading a part of your routine:
✅ Choose the right book — Avoid anything too intense or scary (sorry, Stephen King). Light fiction, memoirs, or self-help books work well.
✅ Set a time limit — Even 10 minutes of reading can make a difference. Start small and build up.
✅ Keep a book by your bed — Make it easy to grab a book instead of your phone.
✅ Make it cosy — Soft bedding, dim lighting, and a calming scent can make reading in bed irresistible.
✅ Go old-school — Use a physical book or an e-reader without blue light (like a Kindle Paperwhite on night mode).
If you’re ready to swap mindless scrolling for restful sleep, reading before bed is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to do it.
And to make that bedtime reading session even better? Pair it with luxurious bedding and relaxing home fragrances that turn your room into a true sleep sanctuary.
