Reading Print Books is Good For You. Here’s Why.

The Science Behind Reading: Paperbound vs. Digital

In an age where technology reigns supreme, it’s no wonder that we gravitate towards ebooks, online articles, and audiobooks for our daily reading. However, researchers point out that the classic paperbound book is better for your well-being — including improved sleep, better cognitive function, and overall happiness. Reading print books can even lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s, boost empathy for those around you, and may even help you to live longer. Sound like a tall order? Here we will explore what the science has to say about these benefits and more.

Why We All Should Be Reading More Books

If you are still unconvinced that print books are better than their electronic siblings, here are four science-backed reasons that explain why we should all be reading more books.

Boosts Brain Power

When you read, it is similar to giving your brain a nice workout. It helps to improve memory and cognitive function as it is actively engaging your brain, unlike more passive activities such as watching a movie or listening to an audiobook. Research has confirmed that when you read, it activates a complex cascade of signals and circuits in your brain.¹ A 2013 study found that reading novels in particular has specific benefits for the brain. The MRI scans of the participants found that as the climax of the story built, increasing areas of the brain lit up with activity. The team found that the brain scans showed this heightened connectivity was present throughout the study and afterward.² What’s more, research has found that those participating in activities such as reading, chess, puzzles, and crosswords are 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those who engage in less brain-stimulating activities.⁶

Eases Depression

Oftentimes when you are depressed, there is a sense of isolation and estrangement. By diving into fiction, it can help you to instead focus on the story of the characters —giving much-needed relief from the heaviness of your own situation. Psychiatrists call this narrative absorption. Bibliotherapy has been shown to relieve these depressive symptoms years after the participants had finished the book.⁴ Reading can also help us to make sense of our world. Neuroimaging studies have found that participants who read more narrative fiction had increased activation in the prefrontal cortex of the brain that is associated with perspective-taking, which researchers believe leads to the ability to understand how people are thinking and encourages higher levels of empathy for others.³

Lengthens Lifespan

It may come as a surprise that reading print books compared to other content can increase your lifespan by an impressive 20%.⁷ A study involving 3,635 participants that adjusted the results for age, sex, race, education, comorbidities, self-rated health, wealth, marital status, and depression concluded:

“Compared to non-book readers, book readers had a 4-month survival advantage at the point of 80% survival. Book readers also experienced a 20% reduction in risk of mortality over the 12 years of follow up compared to non-book readers. Cognitive score was a complete mediator of the book reading survival advantage (p=.04). …These findings suggest that the benefits of reading books include a longer life in which to read them.”

Encourages Better Sleep

While the two examples above could theoretically be applied to reading an ebook, physical books have a specific benefit for those who would like a good night’s rest: it doesn’t disrupt your circadian rhythm with blue light exposure in the evening. Studies have shown that reading a physical book before bed helps you to relax and fall asleep more quickly than if you are in front of a screen — e-readers included.⁵ If you find you need extra sleep support, my potent Sleep Blend is an outstanding option.

Plant-Based Solutions for a Better Brain

If you would like to optimize cognitive function and brain health beyond reading physical books, we believe there is no better option than our Brain Bundle. It contains a collection of powerful herbal remedies that help enhance brain health — including dual-extracted, fruiting body tinctures of cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi medicinal mushrooms, plus our lemon balm tincture. These potent botanicals have research-backed benefits to support brain function and health, calm stress, address fatigue, and boost energy.

Here are the unique benefits of each herbal extract:

CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM TINCTURE

Our powerful cordyceps tincture is formulated with dual-extracted, fruiting body mushrooms for full potency and effectiveness. This exceptional botanical is known to support the body, lungs, and brain for both chronic and acute issues.

LION’S MANE MUSHROOM TINCTURE

Our dual-extracted lion’s mane tincture uses only the fruiting bodies for full effectiveness and potency. This powerful botanical supports cognitive and nerve function, promotes increased energy, and eases symptoms of stress.

REISHI MUSHROOM TINCTURE

An excellent adaptogenic herb, reishi tincture supports the body against the negative effects of stress. This mushroom helps foster better sleep and encourages healthier immune function. Our reishi tincture is dual-extracted and utilizes the fruiting bodies for full potency and effectiveness.

LEMON BALM TINCTURE

Lemon balm is an absolute powerhouse for brain, mind, and mood support. It is my go-to herb for reducing stress and anxiety while helping to support clarity and focus.

For a comprehensive approach to enhancing brain health and cognitive function, our Brain Bundle is the perfect choice. Say goodbye to stress, fatigue, and lack of focus — and say hello to more clarity, energy, and brain power. Invest in your health today with this all-natural collection of medicinal extracts by visiting my apothecary today!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. Houston SM, Lebel C, Katzir T, Manis FR, Kan E, Rodriguez GG, Sowell ER. Reading skill and structural brain development. Neuroreport. 2014 Mar 26;25(5):347-52. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000000121. PMID: 24407200; PMCID: PMC4128180.
2. Berns GS, Blaine K, Prietula MJ, Pye BE. Short- and long-term effects of a novel on connectivity in the brain. Brain Connect. 2013;3(6):590-600. doi: 10.1089/brain.2013.0166. Epub 2013 Oct 9. PMID: 23988110; PMCID: PMC3868356.
3. Diana I. Tamir, Andrew B. Bricker, David Dodell-Feder, Jason P. Mitchell, Reading fiction and reading minds: the role of simulation in the default network, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, Volume 11, Issue 2, February 2016, Pages 215–224, https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv114
4. Gualano, M. R., Bert, F., Martorana, M., Voglino, G., Andriolo, V., Thomas, R., Gramaglia, C., Zeppegno, P., & Siliquini, R. (2017). The long-term effects of bibliotherapy in depression treatment: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Clinical psychology review, 58, 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2017.09.006
5. Twenge JM, Hisler GC, Krizan Z. Associations between screen time and sleep duration are primarily driven by portable electronic devices: evidence from a population-based study of U.S. children ages 0-17. Sleep Med. 2019;56:211-218. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2018.11.009
6. Friedland RP, Fritsch T, Smyth KA, et al. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease have reduced activities in midlife compared with healthy control-group members. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001;98(6):3440-5. doi:10.1073/pnas.0610029987.
7. Bavishi A, Slade M, Levy B. THE SURVIVAL ADVANTAGE OF READING BOOKS. Innov Aging. 2017;1(Suppl 1):477. Published 2017 Jun 30. doi:10.1093/geroni/igx004.1696