The Benefits of Reading on Paper for the Mind and Body

In a world dominated by screens, reading on paper offers a uniquely immersive experience with sensory and cognitive benefits that are hard to ignore. Several studies suggest that reading printed materials can foster deeper comprehension and better retention, particularly when dealing with longer or more complex texts. The physical sensation of holding a book, the ability to mark pages, and the absence of digital distractions all contribute to this advantage.

Beyond the cognitive aspects, there are also significant physiological implications. For instance, reading on digital devices before bedtime can impair melatonin production — the hormone responsible for regulating sleep — due to the blue light emitted by screens. Paper-based reading, on the other hand, does not have this effect, making it a healthier option, especially in the evening.

The Benefits of Reading on Paper

• A Richer Sensory Experience: Reading on paper engages multiple senses — touch, sight, and even smell — creating a more immersive and emotionally meaningful experience. According to an article by Sappi on “Reading, Writing and the Multisensory Experience”, reading printed materials is inherently multisensory. The more senses that are simultaneously engaged, the stronger the emotional connection to the content, which enhances memory retention.

• Reduced Digital Distractions: Reading on digital devices is often associated with multitasking and constant distractions, which can undermine comprehension and memory. A study from San José State University examined how digital distractions affect screen-based reading and concluded that paper reading naturally minimizes these interruptions, fostering greater focus and concentration.

   

• Improved Comprehension and Retention: The tangible nature of books helps readers cognitively organize information, making it easier to process and remember complex content. A 2018 meta-analysis involving over 171,000 readers found that comprehension is significantly better when reading printed texts compared to digital ones. A separate study published by Oxford Learning in 2024 reviewed 49 studies and confirmed that students who read on paper consistently score higher on comprehension tests than those who read the same material on screens.

   

• Visual Comfort and Better Sleep Quality: Unlike screens, paper doesn’t emit light directly into your eyes or interfere with melatonin production, making it a more comfortable and sleep-friendly option. Exposure to blue light from electronic devices before bed can suppress melatonin, leading to sleep disturbances. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that participants who read on e-readers before sleep produced less melatonin and took longer to fall asleep compared to those who read printed books.

The Emotional, Cognitive, and Intellectual Benefits of Reading:

Reading is a multifaceted activity that goes far beyond simply decoding words on a page. A growing body of scientific research shows that the habit of regular reading is associated with a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and intellectual benefits. From strengthening language skills to promoting mental well-being and enhancing intellectual abilities, reading has long played a central role in the development of societies.

Below, we explore some of the most relevant contributions of reading to brain function, mental health, and the development of key competencies like empathy, focus, and critical thinking.

• Expanded Vocabulary and Verbal Fluency: According to the article Vocabulary Instruction: A Critical Analysis of Theories, Research, and Practice, frequent reading significantly enriches vocabulary and is strongly correlated with improvements in reading comprehension — the ability to understand, interpret, and assign meaning to written texts.

   

• Boosted Empathy: A study titled “The Relationship Between Reading and Empathy: An Integrative Literature Review” analyzed 21 studies published between 2009 and 2020. It found that most research highlights how reading helps individuals understand others’ mental and emotional states, enhancing empathy and enabling readers to engage with different perspectives and emotions.

   

• Stress Reduction: Researchers from the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, outperforming activities like listening to music or taking a walk. This calming effect occurs because reading slows the body’s rhythms, quiets the mind, and fosters a deep state of relaxation — functioning similarly to meditation.

• Protection Against Cognitive Decline: Cognitive activities like reading can delay the onset of dementia by as much as five years. A 2021 study published in Neurology showed that participants who regularly engaged in mentally stimulating activities experienced a later onset of dementia symptoms compared to those who were less cognitively active.

   

• Strengthened Critical Thinking: Based on the article The Impacts of Reading on Cognition and Critical Thinking Development, reading plays a crucial role in fostering critical thinking by exposing readers to diverse ideas, arguments, and perspectives. The act of reading challenges individuals to reflect on content, analyze their own beliefs, and assess the accuracy of the information presented. The study also highlights how reading stimulates abstract thinking and imagination, enabling readers to visualize scenarios and develop empathy — all of which are essential skills for critical analysis.

Practical Tips to Cultivate a Reading Habit:

Building a reading habit is an ongoing process that offers countless rewards. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

• Set Realistic Goals: Start with a manageable daily reading time and gradually increase it.
  

   

• Explore Different Genres: Find the genres that captivate you the most to make reading more enjoyable.
  

   

• Create a Comfortable Reading Space: Choose a quiet, cozy place free from noise and interruptions.
  

   

• Always Keep a Book Handy: Take advantage of idle moments to read a few pages.
  

   

• Share What You’re Reading: Discuss books with friends, family, or colleagues.
  

   

• Visit Libraries and Bookstores: Explore new titles and authors to broaden your literary horizons.
  

   

• Join a Book Club: Exchanging ideas and perspectives enhances the reading experience.

By highlighting the countless benefits of reading and encouraging this enriching habit, Instituto Chamex and Sylvamo Brasil reaffirm their commitment to fostering education, creativity, and citizenship. Promoting reading — in all its forms — is a powerful tool to transform realities, broaden horizons, and help build a more conscious, critical, creative, diverse, and engaged society.

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