Those who are able to remember, know it. They know that dreaming while we sleep is an adventure in which everything that the subconscious selects becomes a somewhat absurd story. They know that despite being something surreal in most cases, our brain makes us believe protagonists of something truly feasible and palpable and so on until we wake up.
Does it sound to you? Yes, reading is also a bit like that; like a daydreaming being someone or something different and, unlike dreams, something you can live and relive and also remember. In fact, we like this feeling so much that we immerse ourselves in it anywhere: on the train, the bed, in the dining room, a park … who knows! Nevertheless, Reading on one site or another and in certain situations can have a different impact on us.
In this post we tell you the benefits of one of the favorite places and moments of many readers who daydream: Read in bed, just before going to sleep.
1. Sleep better: Telling a story to the little ones at home to help them have sweet dreams is not an exclusive solution for children. While it is not necessary for someone to read it to you – although the audiobooks are, in part, for that – reading will help you travel to a more or less distant world that in turn will allow you to disconnect and it will help you take away the accumulated tension of the day In fact, it not only helps you sleep, but allows you to sleep better.
2. Release stress: Reading is a wonderful stress reliever. According to a study by the University of Sussex, Stress levels in someone who reads, especially before going to sleep, are reduced to 68%. The same study points out that reading gets rid of stress faster than other solutions such as having a tea, taking a walk or even listening to music.
3. Increase concentration and creativity: In a society that forces us to perform multiple tasks at once, ending the day being able to focus all the attention on a book helps us to be more focused and to be able to use the same system on other occasions. In addition, reading shows us new worlds, new characters, words, etc. Therefore, it is inevitable that the perspectives will be broadened and so will the ability to solve problems.
4. Improve our mental health: Some European doctors already prescribe books to people with symptoms of depression or anxiety, among others. While it is not an alternative treatment or a cure in itself, it can complement other therapies. What is undeniable is that Reading can be a source of motivation and connection with oneself. This not only helps us to go to sleep quieter, but to live better.
5. Prevent diseases: The risk of developing dementia in older people can be delayed or even prevented with reading or other intellectual activities, the studies suggest. In fact, the ACE-Barcelona Alzheimer Treatment and Research Center Foundation has highlighted the importance of reading in Alzheimer's patients, since this activity helps Maintain your cognitive activity and delay the effects of the disease. So you know, tea, book and bed!
So, daydreaming from the hand of a book will help us to sleep asleep with more tranquility, health and stress. So there is no excuse: to leave the phone and tablet screens aside and for a good book. Have a good night and good reading!