10 Tips for Reading in Bed

As I was figuring out some final posts for October, I was going through the photos that I use for this blog. I came upon the photo above plus another one I recently downloaded. These two photos (the second one down below before the tips start) gave me inspiration for this blog post.

There are so many reading locations, and our beds can be one of the most comfortable. It can, however, be a bit awkward to figure out how to read in bed: position, holding your book, lighting. Most of these tips are loosely based around reading at night close to when you may fall asleep. However, many of these tips can apply to any time you decide to read in bed.

Here are 10 tips for reading in bed.

Tip 1: Don't read in a single position.

You don't need to be moving around during a single reading session. However, some books may require different reading positions in bed depending on their height, weight, etc. So take this into consideration when you bring a book into bed.

Tip 2: Try to choose lightweight books.

If you prefer to read paperbacks in bed, that's okay. But if you don't have a preference in whether the book is a paperback or a hardcover, then choose books that are lighter in weight. (Some hardback books can be lightweight and easy to hold up.)

Tip 3: Limit the amount of time you read in bed.

Reading in bed can be one of the hardest things to stop. However, it may be best to limit the amount of time you read in bed, especially if you're reading at night. This way, you can catch up on sleep or other activities you need to do.

Tip 4: Try to recognize when you're getting tired.

This one does play into Tip 3, but it deserved its own tip. If you're reading in bed at night, recognize when you're getting tired. You won't be exhausting yourself. Additionally, you won't have to reread certain sections due to falling asleep while reading.

Tip 5: Buy a booklight and keep it close to your bed.

Booklights can be bought almost anywhere you can buy books (bookstores, Amazon, etc.). This way, you can turn off all the other lights and still read comfortably. Additionally, most booklights are rechargeable, meaning you can use the same booklight multiple times without worrying about batteries.

Tip 6: Choose a calmer or less intense book to read in bed.

Choosing an exciting, intense book can keep you up long after you've set the book down. As a result, it's for the best if you choose a calmer and less intense book to read in bed. Additionally, if you have a hard time falling asleep, a calm book can help you calm down and remain calm.

Tip 7: Avoid books that require a lot of attention or brainpower.

This tip is similar to Tip 6, but it's another one that deserved its own section. A book can be calm but still require a lot of attention or brainpower. As a result, you may not want to be reading history books (fiction or nonfiction) or books with complex plots.

Tip 8: Keep the book in a place that's easily accessible from your bed.

It can be a bit disturbing if you have to get out of bed to grab and put away a book that you decided to read in bed. As a result, it may be best to keep the book in an easily accessible spot near your bed so you don't have to get out of bed.

Tip 9: Avoid reading ebooks unless you're able to change the screen settings.

More often than not, you are able to change the screen settings of your iPad or e-reader so there isn't a strain on your eyes. However, you want to avoid, or at least limit, reading ebooks so the blue light doesn't keep you awake.

Tip 10: If you startle or scare easily, avoid the horror, mystery, and thriller genres.

If you're like me, you probably startle and scare easily, especially at night. As a result, it may be best to avoid the horror, mystery, and thriller genres in bed before falling asleep.