The National Sleep Foundation reports that one of the best bedtime activities you can do to wind down before going to sleep is reading.
However, it actually does matter what you read. Reading a horror novel before bed might give you bad dreams, whereas reading something dense and informative might keep your mind too busy trying to process information to go to sleep. Instead, try these light fun books for an easy bedtime read.
- Laughter Really Is The Best Medicine: America’s Funniest Jokes, Stories, and Cartoons by Editors of Reader’s Digest
Have a laugh before hitting the hay. This collection of jokes and anecdotes will send you to bed with a light heart. Especially if you enjoy making fun of the mundane or every day routine, you will get a kick out of this read. Why weigh yourself down with something heavy before going to sleep when you can relax and smile at the silliness of life?
- The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s direct, and somewhat dry style paints a soothing picture that will absorb you into his world and make you forget about your sleep anxieties. In contrast, if you find his style boring, it may put you right to sleep. Either way, his calm and soothing writing style is a good choice to relax to.
- Uncle John’s Funniest Ever Bathroom Reader by Bathroom Readers’ Institute
This is a collection of the funniest 288 pages from over 40,000 pages of bathroom reading published by the Bathroom Readers’ Institute. The jokes range from pranks, dumb jocks, and witless jabs to witty, dark, and sublime. You don’t have to be on the toilet to appreciate the human rampant in this collection.
- Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan
If stand up humor is your thing or your passion for food surpasses almost anything else, this stand-up comedian and author’s comedic memoir will really hit the spot. His insights into food will have you hungering for not only American favorites, but more comedy. Just don’t get too hungry and stay up late to snack!
- Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau’s view of the wilderness and his description of living in the wild will relax any troubled mind. This is another good book to pick up if you are not much of a fiction reader. Nature lovers will adore his spiritual descriptions of the natural world and enjoy his interesting perspective on life. Walden makes a great calming read.
Of course, remember to read physical books rather than digital copies from your e-reader, which according to Harvard Medical School, makes it harder to get to sleep. Make a cup of tea, snuggle up in bed, and enjoy a cozy relaxing read that is sure to put any anxious mind to rest.
Related Articles:
- What to do When You Can’t Sleep (valleysleepcenter.com)
- Could Reading At Night Be Impairing Your Sleep? (valleysleepcenter.com)
- 8 Things You’re Doing To Ruin Your Night’s Sleep (valleysleepcenter.com)
