Can we read when we are tired or sick?

When we are tired or sick, our first instinct is often to curl up in a good book. But is reading really the best way to spend your time when you’re feeling down? Let’s take a look at the research to see what it has to say on the subject.

Reading when you are tired or sick: good or bad idea?

The benefits of reading when we are tired or sick are well documented. Studies have shown that reading can help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality and even boost our immunity. In one study, participants who read for six minutes before bed felt more relaxed than those who didn’t read at all. Another study found that people who read for 30 minutes every day were less likely to get sick than those who didn’t read at all.

If reading has all these benefits, why not practice it when you feel tired or sick? The answer lies in the fact that when we are tired or sick, our brains are already working overtime to keep us functioning. This means that adding an extra task, even if it’s a relaxing task like reading, can actually be more stressful than helpful.

Additionally, when we are tired or sick, our brains are not able to process information as quickly or efficiently as it normally would. This means we are more likely to become frustrated with our book and abandon it before we reach the end.

Conclusion & Opinion

So, should you curl up with a good book when you’re not feeling well? Research shows no. While reading has some benefits, it’s also important to remember that our brains are already working overtime when we’re tired or sick. This means that adding an extra task, even if it’s a relaxing task like reading, can actually be more stressful than helpful. If you decide to pick up a book when you’re not feeling well, make sure you choose a short, easy-to-read book so you don’t get frustrated and give up halfway through.