According to a new report by the reading agency, the distraction is now one of the leading obstacles to read for Anand.
The nation’s position in the adult reading 2025 report shows that about half of the UK adults struggle to focus on reading due to distraction-a number that climbs up to 55% of the age group between 16-24 and 35-44, and between 52% of people of 25–34 years of age.
The report also highlighted the decline in regular reading habits, only 53% of the UK adults said that they regularly read, compared to 58% in 2015.
Asked why it is difficult to focus, the most quoted cause was to reduce free time (24%), mental or physical health (11%), change in major life events (10%) and increase screen time or transfer digital habits (10%).
Most of us are guilty of scrolling through our phone before bed instead of reading, but is this late night screen time affecting our sleep? And can a book make a difference for a book?
We asked experts to find this …
What is the effect on our phone on the bed on the bed?
Dr. Kathrina Ledrel, Sleep and Sarkadian Rhythm Specialist Dr. Kathrina Ledrel, “The use of any screen late at night continues to be cautious with the natural time of her body clock,” the use of any screen remains alert. ” London general practice,
Light exposure can cause less deep sleep, adds ladrel, which means that even if you get a good amount of sleep, you cannot feel well relaxed.
“Looking at your phone or laptop, you are effectively putting a mini-sun in front of your eyes,” Ledrel says. “It will affect the secretion of melatonin, which is usually released a few hours before going to sleep as a set of the sun.
“In exposure to evening light, and especially by coming in contact with light from your phone, you will press the melatonin secretion, and your body’s clock requires melatonin so that the rest of the body can get the night time. Therefore, without it, there is no such message, which means that the body continues to be vigilant.”
What can be the effect of reading a book before a bed on our sleep?
“Reading provides a soft cognitive attention that can help reduce stress,” says Dr. Rachel MoleterChartered psychological and lecturer at Coventry University. “Reading slowly and peacefully before the bed activates our parasimpethetic nervous system, rest and digest system, which helps reduce heart rate and blood pressure and starts a successful sleep.”
However, fiction is generally considered more comfort to read than non-fiction-which can affect the quality of our sleep.
“Fiction, especially familiar or mild narrative, is better for sleep because it slowly distracts the mind without activating important thinking or emotional intensity,” explains ” Dr. Lalita SuglaniWriter of psychological and high working concern. “Non-fiction can be more stimulating, especially if it includes problems-solution, self-reform, or emotionally charged material.”
And physical books can help us sleep better than e-books.
“Print books are ideal because they have a lack of backlight that disrupts melatonin,” says Suglani. “Blue-light filters or ‘night mode’ e-readers are better than the phone, but still not calm as physical books.
“After all, the goal is low stimulation and emotional security – books that do not provoke stress, enthusiasm or analysis.”
Does reading scroll more stimulating and addictive?
Suglani explains, “Scrolling tap in dopaminargic feedback loop, a cycle of anticipation, reward and innovation that can become drug addiction is a cycle.” “Social media, news feed, or even sleeping pre -sleeping can activate brain threats system or pleasure centers, keeping the body in a state of vigilance.”
On the other hand, the reading has natural restrictions.
“It does not offer the same dopamine high, which is why it is more calm to the nervous system,” says Suglani. “Reading encourages continuous attention, some our overgrowth brains often yearn but rarely experience through the screen.”
Are you trying to transition someone from screen at night?
“Try to place your phone on the charge or on a unit away from your bed area, leave it by morning,” recommended the moleter. “Additionally, a screen curfew such as 30 minutes before going to bed will help support the habit innings by looking at all the final information and then the phone will be kept away by morning.
“Most on the phone, with Dr. Not disturbed mode, emergency contacts may be obtained, but other people may wait until a successful sleep period is allowed.”
Also, make sure the book you are planning to read is accessible.
“The book will allow a habit-stacking approach to keep the book visible and accessible near your bedside and produce a more successful behavior change to support reading on scrolling,” says Moltor.
