8 facts that will convince you to read a book instead of binge-watching TV tonight

There was a time when people made frequent trips to the library, eagerly waiting for that new release to become available.

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Bedtime rituals involved turning pages as opposed to scrolling up and down a screen. 

For some, books are still a treasured part of daily life. But for an increasing number of Americans, books are falling by the wayside in favor of other leisure activities.

A man reads while floating on the dead sea
Only 72% of American adults read a book in 2015. Chris Hondros/Getty Images

2015 survey from Pew Research Center found that only 72% of American adults read a book (either print or digital) that year, a drop from 79% in 2014. 

Some people have substituted streaming reading with TV binges, which we often do when we're stressed, tired, lazy, or avoiding a task that we really don't want to tackle. 

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But staring at screens isn't doing your brain — or your health  any favors.

Bingeing on your latest show addiction might satisfy your desire for instant gratification, but it's likely to disrupt your sleep quality and leave you feeling groggy when you make it a daily part of your evening routine. 

Reading, on the other hand, is more likely to improve your sleep, according to Van Winkles. Not to mention the long-term benefits it brings, like the ability to see situations from various viewpoints, increased intelligence, and reduced stress. 

Here are nine motivating facts to get you off the computer and into a good old-fashioned paperback:

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Reading literary fiction can reduce your need for 'cognitive closure,' making you better equipped to deal with uncertain situations.

Woman sits at the end of platform station and reads a book.
Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

Source: Creativity Research Journal

Reading can reduce stress by allowing you to enter a literary world away from the anxieties of your own life. Reading can also physically relax you by reducing heart rate and soothing tension in your muscles.

Source: Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing, University of Minnesota

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Reading novels can make you more empathetic toward others, particularly when you're extremely immersed in the story.

Source: PLOS ONE

Reading throughout your life is linked to stronger brain health in old age and can slow down the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia.

A man reading a book on at Frankfurt Book Fair
Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images

Source: The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation

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Binge-watching is linked to mindless eating, particularly of unhealthy foods.

Source: NPR 

 

People who watch a lot of television, combined with low physical activity, are more likely to experience greater decline in cognitive function in middle age than those who watch less television and are more active.

watching tv
Flickr/islandjoe

Source: JAMA Psychiatry

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Watching television for more than two hours each day is linked to higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More than three hours of television consumption daily may lead to a greater risk of premature death.

Source: Harvard School of Public Health

 

Binge-watching television has been linked to lowered sperm count.

Source: British Journal of Sports MedicineHarvard School of Public Health

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

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