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Want a peaceful sleep at night? Just follow this simple step to improve sleep and reduce stress
Global Desk | June 6, 2025 7:20 AM CST

Synopsis

Including reading in a nightly routine can lower stress and improve sleep. Studies show reading before bed reduces anxiety more than other common activities. It can also support better mental health.

Following a nighttime routine is not just for children. Adults can also benefit from repeating certain activities before sleep. Research shows that reading at night can help lower stress, improve mental health and lead to better sleep.

Nighttime Habits Regulate Sleep Patterns

People follow routines every day. A nightly routine helps set the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Doing the same tasks before bed can help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling more rested. This routine is important for people of all ages.

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High Stress Levels Affect Sleep Quality

Many adults struggle with stress at night. In the past month, 43% of American adults said they could not sleep due to stress. Lying awake with a busy mind is common. This stress can make it hard to sleep through the night or fall asleep in the first place.

Reading Lowers Stress

A 2009 study by Mindlab International for the University of Sussex found that reading reduces stress by 68% when done for just six minutes. This was higher than other common nighttime activities. Listening to music reduced stress by 61%, drinking tea or coffee by 54%, and walking by 42%.

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Books Improve Sleep and Mental Health

A 2021 study found that reading improved sleep quality. Another paper showed that daily reading helped reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. Both conditions can make it harder to sleep. By lowering the chances of these problems, reading supports better rest. Reading also offers a break from screens, which can interrupt sleep.

Using a phone or tablet before bed can disrupt sleep. Replacing that habit with reading may help relax the mind. A quiet reading time before sleep can be a simple way to improve rest and mood.

FAQs


How long should I read before bed to reduce stress?
Reading for at least six minutes before bed can lower stress levels and help you feel more relaxed.

Can reading really improve my sleep quality?
Yes, studies show that reading before bed can lead to better sleep and may lower anxiety and depression.


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