The benefits of reading print books extend beyond mere enjoyment; they offer tangible advantages for both mind and body. Whether you savor the feel of paper under your fingertips or delight in the scent of a well-worn novel, the act of reading physical books enhances cognitive function and emotional well-being. Despite the digital age’s prevalence, a significant majority of adults still prefer the tactile experience of printed pages, finding it conducive to deeper understanding and better retention of information. In this article, we explore the scientific reasons why embracing print books can enrich your life, from boosting intelligence to improving sleep quality. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of reading print books.
Whether your to-be-read stack is full of classic books or nonexistent, you should know that there are many benefits of reading—and reading physical, printed books has its advantages. There’s nothing like the smell of old books or the crack of a new one’s spine, and it turns out that diving into a page-turner can enrich your health and happiness. Although more people own e-books and subscribe to services like Audible on Amazon, 65 percent of U.S. adults report reading a print book.1 Here, we share science-backed reasons to read a print book and ideas for continuing the habit as an adult.
Increases Intelligence
As Dr. Seuss once wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Diving into a good book opens up a whole world of knowledge starting from a very young age.
Exposure to vocabulary through reading (particularly reading children’s books) not only leads to higher scores on reading tests but also higher scores on general intelligence tests for children. Plus, stronger early reading skills may mean higher intelligence later in life.
Boosts Brainpower
Not only does regular reading help make you smarter, but it can also actually increase your brainpower. Just like going for a jog exercises your cardiovascular system, reading regularly improves memory function by giving your brain a good workout. With age comes a decline in memory and brain function, but reading may help slow the process, keeping minds sharper longer.
Makes You More Empathetic
Getting lost in a good read can make it easier for you to relate to others. Literary fiction, specifically, has the power to help readers understand what others are thinking by reading other people’s emotions. The impact is much more significant on those who read literary fiction as opposed to those who read nonfiction.
“Understanding others’ mental states is a crucial skill that enables the complex social relationships that characterize human societies,” David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano wrote of their findings.
Helps You Better Understand the Content
When it comes to actually remembering what you’re reading, you’re better off going with a printed book than an e-book. The feel of paper pages under your fingertips provides your brain with some context, which can lead to a deeper understanding and better comprehension of the subject you’re reading. So to reap the benefits of a good read, opt for the kind with physical pages.
Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s
Reading puts your brain to work, and that’s a very good thing. Those who engage their brains through activities such as reading, chess, or puzzles could be 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who spend their downtime on less stimulating activities. Research suggests that exercising the brain may help because inactivity increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Helps You Relax
There’s a reason snuggling up with a good book (and maybe a glass of wine) after a long day sounds so appealing. Research suggests that reading can work as a serious stress-buster, reducing stress by as much as 68 percent.
“It really doesn’t matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination,” cognitive neuropsychologist David Lewis said.
Improves Sleep
Reading a physical book before bed helps you relax more than zoning out in front of a screen. Screens like e-readers and tablets can keep you awake longer and even impair sleep.
That applies to kids too: Fifty-four percent of children sleep near a small screen, and clock 20 fewer minutes of shut-eye on average because of it. Instead of your phone or tablet, reach for a literal page-turner before switching off the light.
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Original article published on realsimple.com