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Reading before bed

Also known as: bedtime reading, no screens before bed

BBuilding Evidence1 studies referenced

Reading a physical book before bed instead of screens promotes sleep onset and reduces cognitive arousal.

Duration

20-30 minutes

Frequency

Daily

Equipment

Books, Warm reading lamp

How to do it

  1. 1Switch to a physical book 30-60 min before bed
  2. 2No e-readers with backlight
  3. 3Choose fiction or light non-fiction — not work material
  4. 4Use a warm reading light

Safety notes

Avoid stimulating or anxiety-provoking content.

Protocols featuring this habit

Studies on Reading before bed (1)

1.

Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness

Chang AM, et al. (2015) · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · n=12

Health domains

ProtocolEngine provides general health information based on published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or health protocol.