7 Scientific Benefits of Reading Printed Books

Print books have witnessed a rebirth in recent years, and for good reason: they can be healthier for your brain, health, and the environment. You can feel good about choosing a print book because the paper is recycled at a significantly greater rate (68%). Also, paper is a renewable resource!

1. You gain greater knowledge.

According to a study published in Italy in 2014, readers of print books absorb and recall more of the plot than readers of e-books. Print readers also scored higher in other categories, such as empathy, absorption in the book, and understanding of the story, according to a previous study. This effect, according to scientists, is tied to the physical feeling of holding a book in your hands.

Seeing and experiencing how far you've progressed in the story might help readers feel as though they're unfolding it—both literally and metaphorically. Additionally, with a print book, you can go back and double-check facts without losing your place and having to scroll or click back.

2. They also assist children in becoming better readers.

Another study of young children aged three to five found that when their parents read to them from an e-book rather than a paper book, the children had worse comprehension of the text.

According to researchers, this occurs because children are distracted by their electronic devices and have a difficult time focusing on the tale itself.

3.They're also gentler on the eyes.

Given that many occupations require you to gaze at a computer screen all day, it's a good idea to take breaks whenever possible. Screen fatigue from electronic books can result in impaired vision, redness, dryness, and irritation. You don't have to worry about any of that with print books.

4. They can improve your sleep.

Reading from a screen or browsing through a social networking app on your phone while you wind down for the night are both awful ideas. Blue light from your screen has been shown in research after study to mess with your melatonin levels and circadian cycles, making it difficult to fall asleep and making you feel groggy when you wake up.

In general, the engagement and brain activity that comes with reading can help you fall asleep when you're having difficulty. Hence, stick to print if you want a decent night's sleep.

5. You will be less prone to become sidetracked.

Those who read e-books, maybe unexpectedly, get sidetracked more quickly, but not just because the internet is right at their fingertips. Digital readers frequently spend more time looking for keywords than actually reading. And there's no risk of being distracted by links or falling down an internet rabbit hole with a print book.

6. Possessing a home library is associated with improved academic accomplishment.

According to a study of readers from 42 nations, students who have books at home perform better on tests. It makes no difference how many books you have, yet each extra book helps youngsters do better in school.

This is especially true for children from low-income households. Experts believe this is because having books at home encourages youngsters to read for pleasure and talk to their parents about what they've learned, which can only help them in school.

7. They increase the enjoyment of reading.

According to a recent study of college students in the United States, Slovakia, Japan, and Germany, 92% preferred physical books they could handle, touch, and leaf through whenever they wanted.

Slovakian pupils, in particular, have expressed a preference for the fragrance of books. Actually, experts who have investigated the chemical content of antique books found that the pages retain hints of vanilla (from lignin, a similar-smelling component in paper) as well as green notes.

In this sense, smelling an old book is similar to the pleasure of smelling perfume or flowers. Books have also been proven in studies to make us happy, inspire us to travel, and motivate us to make life-changing decisions.

Therefore, don't feel bad if you spend a bit more than you intended in the bookstore: science shows it's good for you.