Incredible news for book lovers has surfaced as studies revealed that reading before bedtime can induce sleepiness. As per the Business Insider, reading before dozing off can help combat insomnia. Contrary to popular beliefs that reading can trigger wakefulness, it actually induces sleep.
As per the website, a study was done back in 2009, which was conducted by the University of Sussex revealed that "reading for a total of six minutes can reduce stress by 68%. With this being said, reading can be more relaxing music, a cup of tea, or a glass of milk. Reading has the capability to clear the mind which prepares the body for sleep.
Dr David Lewis, who is a psychologist and the author of the study stated that "a book is more than merely a distraction, but an active engaging of the imagination, one that "causes you to enter an altered state of consciousness."
It does not really matter on what book choice an individual would have, either way it calms the mind. The website then added that " mind is engaged in a world constructed by words, tension evaporates and the body relaxes, paving the way for sleep."
Aside from inducing sleep, TIME then stated that reader is nicer and smarter. It was pointed out that "Deep Reading" is an exercise for the brain which increases the real life capacity for empathy.
A research was done by Raymond Mar, who is a psychologist at York University in Canada and Keith Oatley, who is a professor emeritus of cognitive psychology at the University of Tronto made a study in regards to the benefits of reading which was published back in 2006 and 2009.
Their studies revealed that individuals who are fond of reading fiction are better in understanding their peers, has greater empathy, and view the world in an entirely different perspective.
Mar then made a study in 2010 showed similar results in young children. It was stated on the website that the more they read [or is being read to them] the exhibit a keener "theory of the mind" or they get to have a clearer vision on a mental model of other people's intention.
