Why Reading Before Bed Could Be the Secret to a Great Night's Sleep
Written by Feather & Black
Last Modified 15 April 2025 |
First Added 15 April 2025
The beloved pastime of reading before bed is experiencing a renaissance. Our 2024 survey revealed that 25% of people are reading more than they did the previous year, and 62% believe the best place to read is snuggled up in bed. This heartwarming revelation emphasises the value of indulging in a calming nighttime ritual, inviting you to truly relax and unwind.
Taking a quiet moment to lose yourself in a good book can settle your body, soothe your senses and still your mind, paving the way to a more peaceful night’s sleep. Join us as we explore the many benefits of reading before bed and inspire you to create a cosy and comfortable sanctuary that nurtures your nightly escape into the pages.
The science behind reading and better sleep
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does reading do for the brain?”, the answer lies in science. Reading can calm mental chatter, ease stress and lower your heart rate, signalling to your brain that it’s time to unwind. This simple yet powerful habit prepares you for deep, restorative sleep and facilitates a seamless transition to rest. While you may indulge in bedtime reading purely for pleasure, it’s quietly guiding you into a state of serenity.
Incorporating a book into your nightly routine allows you to reap the many benefits of reading before bed. In fact, a 2021 online study found that 42% of participants who read a book before bed felt their sleep improved, compared to just 28% of non-readers. By embracing this calming practice, you not only enjoy better quality sleep but also enhance your mental and physical wellbeing, laying the foundation for a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Creating the ultimate sanctuary for night-time reading
To fully immerse yourself in the soothing ritual of reading before bed, it’s important to set the scene and refine the ambience of your bedroom sanctuary. A consistent evening routine can be crucial for a good circadian rhythm, so aim to settle down into bed at the same time each evening. Consider keeping electronic devices at bay at least 30 minutes before bed, as the blue light can trick our bodies into thinking it’s still daytime, thus keeping us awake.
A cosy and comfortable reading environment is also paramount, cradling your body in sumptuous luxury as your imagination drifts to the pages of your book. Indulge in a high-quality mattress paired with a lavishly upholstered headboard, complemented with a plush duvet, supportive pillows and beautifully soft cotton bed linen. Together, these elements transform your space into the perfect bedtime reading retreat.
Designing a dedicated bedroom reading space
Our 2024 survey may have revealed that most people find comfort reading in bed, but others find solace in a warm and inviting corner elsewhere in the home. 29% of participants shared a preference for reading in the plush embrace of a cosy chair, highlighting the growing trend for spaces devoted to the simple pleasure. These dedicated reading nooks are rising in popularity, offering serene spaces to settle down and savour a story.
A beautifully crafted accent chair is integral to a warm and welcoming reading nook, creating an elegant focal point in your interior design and transforming an ordinary corner into a cosy haven. Our Vermont Chair is the epitome of sheer decadence. Its gently curved design and soft faux fur upholstery envelop you in irresistible warmth and opulent comfort. The perfect place to nestle in and devour your next page-turner.
Ambient lighting for the evening reader
The right lighting can make all the difference when setting the mood for an evening of relaxation and reading before bed. A soft, warm glow creates a soothing ambience, but it's equally important to ensure the light is bright enough to prevent eye strain. Blending gentle accent lighting with more targeted task lighting creates a harmonious balance. Consider an adjustable table lamp that casts light directly onto your book without being too harsh or intrusive.
Further enhance your evening reading ritual by introducing sensory details that inspire comfort and calm. A delicate room fragrance, such as lavender, vanilla, or sandalwood, can evoke a sense of tranquillity, while plush throws and textured cushions wrap you in indulgent softness. Quiet background music adds a gentle auditory layer, completing an environment designed to help you relax and unwind.
The art of creating a sleep-supportive space
Your bedroom is your own personal oasis and a retreat from the demands of daily life. Curating a sleep-enhancing space is key to helping you transition into relaxation and prepare for a rejuvenating night’s rest. Alongside comforting touches such as subtle scents and soft lighting, soothing, neutral hues and textured, natural fabrics create a sense of warmth and cosiness that you can’t wait to come home to.
As you step into your bedroom, you should feel your shoulders relax and your mind release the stress of the day. Maintain a clutter-free environment to encourage mental clarity, keeping the chaos of the outside world firmly at bay and establishing a clear boundary between work and rest. For those with bedroom offices, creating a dedicated workspace separate from your sleep zone can help preserve the sanctity of your sanctuary.
Curate a bedroom that tells your story
As we consider the question, “Does reading help you sleep?” it’s clear that the answer is yes - but this simple nightly ritual holds even greater potential. Whether you’re nestled in bed or curled up in a cosy accent chair, reading offers a rare moment to pause, reflect and embrace a sense of calm. The benefits of reading before bed extend far beyond better sleep, creating ripples of wellbeing that contribute to a healthier, more balanced life.
Explore Feather & Black’s exquisite furniture and bedding collections to design the perfect bedtime reading haven and let every evening become an escape into the wonderful world of literature.