Six Tips for Reading Before Bed

Given my post on January 12, I thought I'd make another post about the subject that was not attached to my Bookish Dilemma series.

I, like many other readers, read around our bedtime, no matter what time that actually is. As a result, we often try to find ways that we can comfortably read before bed. I wholly understand that, on occasion, we can't fall asleep for whatever reason. In these cases, I am in full support of reading for as long as you want - it gives your mind something to do other than scrolling through TikTok.

However, it can be hard to tell if it's one of the times where you can't fall asleep. This is where these tips come into play. You can try them out, give yourself the opportunity to try and sleep, and go on from there if needed. Here are six tips for reading before bed.

Tip 1: Set a time limit and/or timer.

This is the most important to implement, which is why I placed it first. Timing your nightly reads before bed can help you have a better day the next day. 

Tip 2: Don't end in the middle of a chapter.

Ending in the middle of a chapter can be annoying for any reader. As a result, it's for the best if you don't do this if you're reading before bed. If your time limit or timer is up, it is okay to finish up the chapter so you don't end in the middle of the chapter.

Tip 3: Don't start a new book.

This is similar to Tip 2. Let's say you set a time limit of one hour, and within 30 minutes, you finish a book. Don't start a new book to spend the last 30 minutes of your time on.

Tip 4: Choose physical books over ebooks.

It doesn't really matter what book format you ultimately choose. However, blue light does tend to keep you up longer, so choose physical books, and use a book light if needed.

Tip 5: Set the book in a place so you won't have to get up to set it down.

It can be annoying if you need to get up to set a book down. As a result, it might be best to set the book where you won't have to actually get out of bed - whether it's a nightstand, on your bookshelf, or some other little place near your bed.

Tip 6: You can listen to an audiobook, but choose an audiobook of something you've already read.

Your nighttime routine is a great time to listen to audiobooks. However, listening to new, unread books while you fall asleep is not the best idea in my opinion. Although many audiobook apps have timers of some sort, you'll have to rewind, reread, and relisten if it's a book you have not read yet.