If your phone is the last thing you see before sleep, it might be time to break up with it, just for 30 minutes. Picture this: you’re curled up in bed, wrapped in a fluffy blanket, a cup of rooibos nearby (or coffee if you’re me, it’s weird, I know), and your hands wrapped around a good old-fashioned book. It’s not just cosy, it’s healing.
Reading for half an hour before bed isn’t just a nerdy habit for bookworms. It’s a science-backed life hack. According to Sleep Foundation, reading a physical book before bed can reduce stress by up to 68% and help the brain transition into a relaxed state—something scrolling through social media just doesn’t deliver.
Furthermore, Harvard Health Publishing points out that, unlike screens, which emit blue light that can suppress melatonin (your sleep hormone), books keep your circadian rhythm in check. This means you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It’s basically self-care without the scented candles and yoga mat.
There are also mental health benefits. Healthline notes that reading fiction helps build empathy and emotional intelligence, while nonfiction can offer calm, reflection, and even a sense of control, especially welcome after a long, chaotic day.
If you’re wondering what to read, choose something light or inspiring. Think rom-coms, feel-good memoirs, or that self-help book that’s been gathering dust on your shelf. Save the crime thrillers and apocalyptic dystopias for daylight hours (unless you’re into adrenaline dreams).
So tonight, try swapping TikTok for a page-turner. Give your mind a soft landing before sleep. Your brain, and maybe your dreams, will thank you.
Also see: Girls, books & chill: Why a reading retreat is the trip we all need
