Is reading a significant mental activity?

[Chee]

This is a pretty basic question, but I'm curious:

I normally do about an hour of reading pretty close before I go to bed, but I just noticed in the Learning section of Lucidipedia that stopping all "significant mental activity" a few hours before sleep will really improve your quality of sleep.

so, does reading fall into this category of mental activity? or is it an appropriate pre-sleep thing to do?

[tblanco]

that's a good question, i want to know what qualifies as "significant mental activity" as well.

[Rik]

I don't think reading qualifies. I'm not very sure, but many sites recommend reading a book or something before bed.

Studying, however, IS a significant activity, so you should not study in those hours (Do you homework in the afternoon). Reading a book falls under relaxation and by that means, I'd say it doesn't qualify.

[Thunal]

At most it is as active as dreaming, if you can immerse yourself in the story you read. And when did dreaming make you sleep worse?
I don't think it's a problem. Make sure to do reality checks, though. If you do those before falling asleep you might remember them, and if the book is fictional, you will be able to differ between real and fake better!
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I shall forever remain mortal

[StealthlyNinja]

I find reading during a WBTB an excellent way to pass the time, esp if it deals with dreaming or fantasy.