Is it better to read or watch TV before bed?

The Sleep Council say '39% of people who are in the habit of reading before they go to sleep, sleep very well'. It makes perfect sense that an activity that reduces stress is beneficial before bed. Reading is also a better alternative to watching TV or scrolling through your phone.


Should I watch TV or read before bed?

What are the downsides to watching TV before bed? Unfortunately, the scientific consensus is that exposure to all screens before bed are bad for sleep. The main reason: Blue light from screens may suppress your body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin and throw off your circadian rhythm.

Is reading before bed good for you?

Improve sleep quality.

A 2021 online study conducted over social media asked 496 participants to read a book in bed before sleeping and 496 participants to not read a book before sleeping. After a week, 42 percent of the readers felt their sleep improved.


Is it better to read when you wake up or before bed?

The question however remains, is it better to read in the morning or at night? According to world statistics, it is better to read in the morning. Researchers say that that the reason people (adults) do this, is to “wake up” and “stimulate” their minds.

How long before bed should I read?

Try reading for 20 minutes to start. If you find that you're tired before the twenty minutes are over, then consider reducing the time to ten to fifteen minutes. However, if you're still wide awake after 20 minutes, consider extending your session.


Read Books & Watch TV In Bed DO IT RIGHT!



Why do you sleep better after reading?

Simply looking at something that is not emitting bright lights lets your body naturally release tension and relax into sleep.

How long should you read a day?

However, numerous studies have defined that 15-30 minutes is a minimum interval we should dedicate to reading each day. Neuroscientists agree that even simple lifestyle changes, like daily 15 minutes with a nose in a book, will support your brain health for a lifetime.

What to do before bedtime?

What Is a Good Bedtime Routine For Adults?
  • Decide on a Set Bedtime. ...
  • Leave the Electronics Alone. ...
  • Have a Light Snack or Bedtime Tea. ...
  • Take a Warm Bath. ...
  • Listen to Music. ...
  • Stretch, Breathe, and Relax. ...
  • Practice Meditation. ...
  • Read a Good Book.


Why no screens before bed?

Blue light is harmful to your eyes.

The blue light emitted by your cell phone screen restrains the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm). This makes it even more difficult to fall asleep and wake up the next day.

What should you not watch before bed?

Scary or frightening movies cause the “stress hormone,” cortisol, to rocket, which can keep you alert and awake far past bedtime. “Try not to watch horror, action, or violent movies, or read thrillers, or play video games for at least a few hours before bedtime,” suggests Dr. Buchfuhrer.

Does TV stimulate your brain before bed?

It stimulates your brain

When your brain is stimulated, it can cause the sleep you do get to be restless and not the deep sleep your body really needs. Experts say watching TV or listening to TV provides too much stimulation to your brain.


Is it OK to fall asleep watching TV?

Falling asleep with your TV on means you're also soaking in blue light from electronics. This can mess with the quality of your sleep by suppressing the production of melatonin, the hormone that keeps your sleep/wake cycle in check. And it can delay sleep onset, or the amount of time it takes to fall asleep said Dr.

How long before bed should I stop watching TV?

While turning off devices earlier to help encourage REM sleep is ideal (Shuster recommends shutting off any blue-light emitting screens at least 90 minutes prior to bedtime), we may want to rethink the volume of our media consumption overall.

How long before bed should I stop drinking water?

It's important to drink enough water during the day, however, it can be disruptive if you drink directly before bed. Avoid drinking water or any other fluids at least two hours before sleeping to prevent waking up at night.


How long after waking up should you avoid screens?

I recommended one hour after waking up, but ultimately, you should choose whatever timing makes sense for your mornings. Think of something else to do instead. Maybe take a walk, maybe do some journaling, maybe make a nice breakfast—just make sure you have a plan, so you don't default to picking up your phone.

What are 2 things to avoid before bedtime?

Avoid stimulants, such as sugars or caffeine, as they will keep you up at night. Eat something before your body starts to wind down. Going to bed on an empty stomach drops blood sugar levels and interferes with the body's ability to sleep well.

How can I stimulate my brain before bed?

Fall asleep faster with mental tricks that calm your racing mind
  1. Controlled deep breathing. ...
  2. Meditation. ...
  3. Visualization. ...
  4. Progressive muscle relaxation. ...
  5. Set up a 'worry time' before bed.


What should I do 30 minutes before bed?

Spend those last few minutes before you head to sleep enjoying a ritual that brings you nothing but joy. Pick up a good book, try a little meditation, or run through a light, relaxing yoga sequence.

How many books will I read if I read 30 minutes a day?

By reading 400 words per minute, you can finish a 50,000 words book in just about 2 hours. Meaning you can complete a 50,000 words book within a week if you read 30 min every day. 50,000 words / 400 words per minute = 125 minute. Which is about two hours.

What happens if I read all day?

Reading Improves Brain Function

A person who reads everyday gets better at it over time. Not surprisingly, daily readers also gain more enjoyment from it than those that read less often. It can even improve memory and critical thinking skills.


Is reading 2 hours a day too much?

Recommended Reading Time per Day

The recommended time changes are based on age group and reading experience as well. Recommended Reading Time per Day for Adults – 2 hours. Adults should read two hours a day, with one hour per sitting. Reading two different books is great for creative association and new insights.

Is reading right after waking up good?

Since your mind is fresh, you are well rested and ready for a new day and a new set of challenges, reading in the morning can help you learn more, quicker. You will retain more information and you will find it a lot easier to understand new concepts.

Does reading improve memory?

If you are looking for ways to improve your memory and concentration and also relieve stress, reading will help. The brain-stimulating activities from reading have shown to slow down cognitive decline in old age with people who participated in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetimes.


How do you break the habit of watching TV in bed?

It's best to find a new sleep routine that helps you to relax and settle in for the night. One strategy might be to slowly whittle down your TV use and institute new calming bedtime behaviors like reading, stretching, talking to a loved one, doing a puzzle, meditating, or journaling.

Should you watch Netflix before bed?

Netflix affects your sleep.

What's more, the blue from your TV can interfere with your ability to fall asleep when you're finally ready for bed. Light interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that lets the brain know when it's time for sleep.