A book at bedtime
Published
This year marks the National Year of Reading in the UK, and the good news is that the bedtime reading habit seems to be thriving, with more than 1 in 2 parents saying it help kids to relax and nod off. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online offers advice on how this nightly ritual can improve children's sleep, emotional well-being and performance at school.
Hannah comments: ‘A bedtime story is the go-to wind-down routine for lots of parents -– tried, tested and passed down through generations. This calm time tells the body it should get ready for sleep, slowing down the heart rate, lowering the core body temperature and relaxing the mind – all signals to prompt the body to start producing sleep hormones, such as melatonin.
‘In a world of distractions and screen time, the simple ritual of a bedtime story can be incredibly powerful. Not only does it support healthier sleep, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of safety and calm that’s essential for emotional wellbeing.’
Stories as sleep cues
Establishing a calming bedtime routine as early as three months old has been shown to improve sleep outcomes later in life. A book-at-bedtime routine is associated with fewer nighttime awakenings, fewer sleep problems, and longer overall sleep durations.
Story time vs screen time
In today’s digital world, many children fall asleep in front of screens – but this can work against the body’s natural sleep signals. Blue light emitted from phones and tablets can suppress melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep.
The benefits beyond bedtime
Reading stories regularly has been shown to significantly boost language skills, including vocabulary, pronunciation and even creativity. Children exposed to consistent bedtime storytelling often demonstrate greater fluency, self-confidence and academic readiness.
Best types of bedtime books
Certain types of bedtime books are particularly effective in promoting calmness and improved sleep. Gentle, predictable stories with soothing rhythms or repetition help signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down. Nature-themed tales, books with low-stimulation visuals and stories that gently explore emotions can also support relaxation and emotional regulation.
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