From Psychologies · Louise Leboyer · · 40s
Why Some Can't Put Down Phone Before Sleep
Psychiatrist explains why tired people keep scrolling phones instead of reading books.
In brief
Psychiatrist explains why tired people keep scrolling phones instead of reading books. Tired people often can't stop scrolling phones before sleep because smartphone use has lower cognitive cost than reading books, according to psychiatrist Pierre-Alexis Geoffroy. Originally reported by Psychologies.
Why Sleep Eludes Some
Tired people often can't stop scrolling phones before sleep despite being exhausted.
“Lire son téléphone n'est pas suffisant, mais c'est pourtant bien plus accessible”
Cognitive Cost Difference
Reading activates more brain areas than scrolling, requiring memory work and cognitive effort.
“Le coût cognitif de la lecture est plus important que de regarder Instagram”
Instant Reward vs Delayed Benefits
Smartphones offer immediate dopamine rewards while books provide slower mental calm.
“Ces réseaux-là sont hyper récompensants, ça vous fait plaisir”
Solution for Better Sleep
Choose books that bring real pleasure to overcome phone scrolling habits before sleep.
“Il faut que vous retrouviez ce même plaisir”
In short
Tired people often can't stop scrolling phones before sleep because smartphone use has lower cognitive cost than reading books, according to psychiatrist Pierre-Alexis Geoffroy.
