Why Should We Not Read While Lying In Bed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Your eyes have to focus upwards when you read lying down and reading at this angle can cause eyestrain when it happens over a sustained period of time. This leads to a condition called

asthenopia

.

Is reading in bed bad for your eyes?

The Condition

Holding your reading material in an uncomfortable position can strain the muscles around your eyes. The official name for this condition is

asthenopia

. It won't permanently damage your eyes or cause you to go blind, but it doesn't feel good either.

Should you read while in bed?

Yes,

it can be helpful in accelerating the amount of time it takes to fall asleep

. Because reading a book before bed is a known stress reducer, it can also help you fall asleep faster. Further, by distracting your brain with new information or someone else's story, it can take your mind off of your own troubles.

Is it better to read sitting or lying down?

To have the best possible alignment while reading, Dr. Heller recommends sitting up as much as you can,

rather than reading while lying down

, and having your legs straight out if you're in bed.

Is it bad to read at night?

Light from screens in the

evening alters alertness

, and suppresses melatonin levels; due to this, there is a direct correlation between reading with a well lit, eliminated light-emitting device and energy levels the following day, especially when compared to reading an actual printed book.

Is it OK to watch TV while lying down?


Don't watch TV while lying down

. According to Dr. Norman Marcus, founder of the Norman Marcus Pain Institute, when you lift your head to view the screen, you create contractions. Those contractions can put strain on your muscles which in turn causes back and neck pain.

Is it bad to use phone while lying?

The blue light that your smart phone emits

is not only bad for your vision

, but it's bad for your brain too. Dr. Walia says that research has found a correlation between suppressed levels of melatonin and exposure to blue light. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for controlling your -wake cycle.

Does reading help anxiety?

The benefits of

reading expand beyond reduced anxiety and stress

. Studies have linked reading to good brain health in old age. Individuals who read regularly across their lifespan showed increased mental capacity as they aged.

How do you read in bed at night?

  1. keep it short. It's likely that I'm only going to read this book for ten or twenty minutes each night before bed. …
  2. Keep it light. This is escapism, folks. …
  3. Happy endings only. I mean, obviously? …
  4. make it a page-turner…but not too much of one. …
  5. keep it familiar.

How long should you read a day?

Whether you're reading 30 minutes each day or

upwards of two hours

, the key is to get some (book) reading in every single day. The benefits are well charted: improving both intelligence and emotional IQ, reducing stress, and allowing readers to, on average, live longer than non-readers.

How many hours of sitting is too much?

LOW risk indicates sitting less than 4 hours per day. MEDIUM risk indicates sitting 4 to 8 hours per day. HIGH risk indicates sitting

8 to 11 hours per day

. VERY HIGH risk indicates sitting more than 11 hours per day.

What is the most comfortable position to read in?


Supine

is the best because it's the most relaxing. It allows you to fully disengage from everything except what's going on in the story.

What's the best position to read a book in bed?

To keep reading in your favorite position, put a roller cushion under the breast, support the chin to the pillow, and read without being too close to the pages of the book and not altering the curvature of the neck. The best position, however, is to

read supine

, as long as your back stays straight.

Does reading increase IQ?


It increases intelligence

.

Exposure to vocabulary through reading (particularly reading children's books) not only leads to higher score on reading tests, but also higher scores on general tests of intelligence for children. Plus, stronger early reading skills may mean higher intelligence later in life.

What should you read before bed?

  • Wonder by R.J. Palacio. …
  • The Wangs vs The World by Jade Chang. …
  • Luckiest Girl Alive by Steven Levenkron. …
  • A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming by Dylan Tuccillo. …
  • If I Stay by Gayle Forman. …
  • Mr. …
  • Life on Mars by Jennifer Brown. …
  • The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Is reading good for your brain?


Reading is very, very good for you

. Research shows that regular reading: improves brain connectivity. increases your vocabulary and comprehension.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.