What is more beneficial? – India TV

Reading is one of the most relaxing and mentally stimulating activities, often incorporated into a daily routine for personal enrichment, stress relief, or pure pleasure. But when it comes to the best time to read—before bed or after waking up—which option offers more benefits? Let’s explore the pros and cons of both to understand which reading habit might best fit your lifestyle.

Read before bed

For many people, reading before bed is a relaxing ritual that helps ease the transition from daytime activities to sleep. Here are the benefits:

Helps relaxation

Reading before bed can be a great way to unwind after a busy day. Studies have shown that reading reduces stress by up to 68%, helping the brain to relax and prepare the body for sleep. It offers an escape from daily worries and is an effective way to mentally relax.

Improves sleep quality

A good book can be the perfect screen-free activity to signal to your body that it’s time for sleep. Unlike screen time, which emits blue light and interferes with melatonin production, reading a physical book in a dimly lit environment promotes better sleep. By reducing mental stimulation and screen exposure, reading before bed allows for a smoother transition into deep sleep.

Improves cognitive function

Reading stimulates cognitive function, aiding in comprehension, critical thinking, and imagination. While the brain remains active, the calm pace at which you read at night helps consolidate memory, allowing for better retention of the material.

Consistent routine

Incorporating reading into your bedtime routine is a habit that signals your body that it’s time to rest. This consistency can help regulate your sleep cycle, which ultimately leads to a better night’s sleep.

Read after waking up

On the other hand, reading after waking up has a number of unique benefits. It offers a fresh start to the day, allowing the brain to enter an active mode quickly.

Improves concentration and productivity

Starting your day with reading will set a positive tone for the hours ahead. Whether you read a few pages of a self-help book, an article, or a chapter of a novel, it can stimulate your brain and increase your focus, setting you up for a productive day.

Fresh perspective

After a good night’s sleep, your mind is clear and rested, making it the ideal time to process new information. Your brain is more alert, which can improve comprehension and critical thinking skills. Reading early in the morning can also help you gain new perspectives, especially if you read something motivating or thought-provoking.

Mental training

Starting your day with a mental workout can boost creativity, problem-solving skills, and concentration levels. Reading in the morning activates the brain’s cognitive functions early on, keeping them sharp throughout the day.

Better retention

Because your mind is alert in the morning, you’re more likely to retain what you read. Studies suggest that learning new information after resting improves retention and recall, making morning reading a smart choice for students or professionals who need to absorb knowledge.

What is more beneficial?

Choosing between reading before bed or after waking up largely depends on your lifestyle and goals.

For better sleep and relaxation: Reading before bed is more beneficial, as it promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality. It helps you disconnect from the stress of the day and prepares you for a restful night.

For cognitive reinforcement and retention: Reading in the morning, when your mind is fresh, offers cognitive stimulation and better retention of material. It can be an energizing way to start your day and can help boost creativity and productivity.