Reading Before Bed Will Give You a Better Night's Sleep
In the information age, the classic ritual of reading a book or newspaper before bed is dying off. Since TV fits in your pocket, and streaming services allow you to watch literally anything you want while you fall asleep, why bother with reading? Youre no luddite.Except, it turns out that there are more reasons to read before going to bed than just being traditional. There are three very good scientific reasons to crack open a hardcover for a spell before falling asleep.
In the information age, the classic ritual of reading a book or newspaper before bed is dying off. Since TV fits in your pocket and streaming services allow you to watch literally anything you want while you fall asleep, why bother with reading? You’re no Luddite.
Except, it turns out that there are more reasons to read before going to bed than just being traditional. There are three very good scientific reasons to crack open a hardcover for a spell before falling asleep.
Getting a More Restful Night's Sleep
If you spend just six minutes of reading before falling asleep, you will sleep better, according to cognitive neuropsychologist and "sleep scientist" Dr. David Lewis. The ritual reduces stress by as much as 68%, a number far higher than anything associated with other rituals like sipping tea or listening to music. This relaxation leads to a deeper, more restful sleep, which makes mornings easier and days more productive.
But how much reading can you really get done in six minutes? That’s only a couple pages… unless you use the 2019 Award-Winning Speed Reading Bundle. The techniques contained therein can maximize your reading experience, making your pre-bed ritual restful and efficient.
Improve Creativity
Psychologists believe that creativity is stimulated by satisfying the so-called “need for cognitive closure” -- that is, the universal human urge for solid answers to questions. According to recent studies, reading creative fiction satisfies the urge for closure, since well written fictional works generally offer conclusive answers to the more abstract questions in life. So if you can put some time into exploring how other people are creative, you will find yourself being more creative as well. The old adage proves true: those who want to write must first read.
Minimized Blue-Light Time
No matter how many times you’ve heard this, it simply can’t be stated enough: blue-light time before bed will mess up your sleep cycle, because the blue wavelengths boost your attention, reaction time and mood. While that can be great for your mid-afternoon pick-me-up, it’s the exact opposite stimulation you want when trying to fall asleep.
Since sleep is one of your most important daily activities, and since reading is the best way to maximize the effectiveness of that sleep, then it’s easy to see this Speed Reading Subscription as an investment in your future. Three classes -- Speed Reading EX, Vocab1, and Spreeder CX -- will invigorate your desire to read and make sure you get the most out of the time you spend doing it. Normally $669, the bundle is available in the Goalcast store right now for just $19.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.