Reading benefits both our physical and mental health. It can also change the brain chemistry and those changes can last a lifetime. Reading heightens your ability to understand the feelings of others.

Reading books is good for us. In recent years, print books have become increasingly popular.

Books help us to absorb more information

People who read books, absorb, and remember more of the story than readers of e-books do, according to a study in Italy in 2014. Book readers also scored higher in other areas, such as empathy, immersion in the book, and the understanding of the narrative.

Scientists believe this is related to the tactile sensation of holding a book in your hands, and because it is easier to go back and confirm information you may be unsure of without losing your place, rather than having to scroll back on your mobile device, or tablet.

Books help children become better readers

Another study of young children between the ages of three and five showed that children had lower comprehension of the story when their parents read to them from an e-book. Researchers think this is because children get distracted by the tablet and have a harder time focusing on the story itself.

In another study, children who had read a short story on an e-reader, were less engaged and had a harder time remembering the exact order of events told to them.

Books are easier on the eyes

One survey of 429 Sussex University students, revealed that nearly half had complained of strained eyes after reading digitally. Reading e-books in conjunction with long periods at a laptop or PC, can cause screen fatigue, which may lead to blurred vision, redness, dryness, and irritation.

You’re less likely to get distracted reading a book

People who read e-books tend to get distracted more easily and digital readers tend to spend more time scanning for keywords, than processing what they’re reading. According to the Sussex University survey, 67 percent of university students were able to multitask while reading digitally, compared to 41 percent of print readers. But if your goal is to fully grasp and comprehend the text in front of you, reading a book digitally isn't great.

Books help us sleep better

Reading from a screen or scrolling through a social media app on your phone are also known to interfere with sleep. Study after study, has shown that the blue light from your screen, can interfere with melatonin levels and sleep cycles, making it harder for you to fall asleep and making you feel sleepier when you wake up.

In general, though, the brain activity that comes with reading can help you fall asleep, when you’re having trouble sleeping.

Having a library at home is linked to higher academic achievement

Also, students who have books at home are more likely to score higher on tests, according to a study of readers from 42 countries. It doesn’t matter how many books you have, but each additional book helps the student perform better in school. Researchers believe this is because having books at home, encourages children to read for fun and talk to their parents about what they are learning or what they have learned. (Source: https://www.mentalfloss.com)

Conclusion

Immersing yourself in books is important. Where there has become a place for the digital world, it is important to think about books, and the effect books can have on mental health.

Reading books means you're more likely to think about and deal with any mental health issues. By buying books, you're supporting your mental health. In Covid-19 mental health has never been more important.

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