The Scientific Benefits Of Reading Physical Books

Why Your Bookshelf Might Be Better for Your Brain than Your Screen

In an age where digital media is taking over everything from shopping to social interaction, it’s no surprise that eBooks and audiobooks are more accessible than ever. Amazon’s Kindle sold out within five hours when it first launched in 2007. Since then, the global shift toward minimalism, convenience, and sustainability has only increased the demand for digital reading formats.

But for book lovers, the experience of reading a physical book remains unmatched and science agrees. Despite the convenience of digital platforms, research continues to support the cognitive, emotional, and health benefits of reading print books. At Books Mandala, we see this preference reflected daily in the choices of readers who continue to buy, gift, and cherish physical books.

Here’s what science says about why flipping real pages is good for your mind, body, and soul.

1. Physical Books Help You Focus Better

While eBooks are great for reading on the go, their digital nature often leads to multitasking. It’s easier to jump between apps or answer notifications, and that has real consequences. According to research published in The Journal of Experimental Psychology, multitasking reduces productivity, impairs cognitive performance, and lowers IQ scores temporarily.

Physical books, on the other hand, require your full attention. You can’t scroll away, check messages, or switch tabs. Reading in print creates a focused, immersive environment that minimizes distractions and trains your attention span over time.

2. You Retain More Information When Reading Print

A 2014 study presented at the International Conference on Learning and Education in Italy compared comprehension between readers who read a short story on a Kindle and those who read the same story in paperback. Results showed that those who read in print had significantly better plot recall and emotional connection to the story.

Anne Mangen, researcher at Norway’s University of Stavanger and co-author of the study, emphasized that sensory experience plays a role in cognitive processing. The act of physically flipping pages, noting where on a page certain events occur, and feeling the book’s weight provides spatial context that enhances memory and immersion.

Other studies, including those published in Scientific American and the International Journal of Educational Research, have confirmed that print reading improves comprehension, empathy, and narrative understanding compared to digital formats.

3. Reading Print Is Easier on Your Eyes

The average person now spends nearly seven hours a day staring at screens, according to data from Statista. Prolonged screen time contributes to digital eye strain, including symptoms like blurred vision, dryness, irritation, and headaches.

Even eReaders with e-ink displays can’t fully escape this problem, especially in poor lighting or for readers who already spend their day in front of digital devices. Physical books provide a screen-free alternative that’s gentler on your eyes, making them the perfect option for winding down after a long day.

4. Print Reading Supports Better Sleep

Screens emit blue light that suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Harvard Medical School notes that exposure to blue light in the evening delays sleep and reduces REM sleep quality.

Reading from a screen before bed can worsen sleep patterns, while reading a physical book, especially under soft lighting, is proven to help your brain relax and transition into sleep. A 2009 study conducted by the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%, making it more effective than music, tea, or walking.

5. Physical Books Reduce Distractions and Promote Deep Reading

Digital devices are inherently multitasking tools. Even with a dedicated eReader, the temptation to switch to a phone or tablet is ever-present. Readers using physical books are less likely to get distracted and more likely to enter a state of deep reading—where focus, comprehension, and emotional connection thrive.

This concept, often called “flow” in psychology, is more easily achieved through uninterrupted, tactile engagement with print.

6. Reading Print Books Strengthens Cognitive Engagement

Unlike passive scrolling or consuming content through audio or video, reading print requires active cognitive participation. Your brain processes syntax, context, and narrative structure, which exercises working memory and critical thinking. According to research from Frontiers in Psychology, reading print enhances brain connectivity and builds neural networks that last well into adulthood.

7. Physical Books Are More Universally Accessible

While digital books may seem easier to acquire, access is often limited by factors like device availability, internet connectivity, or payment systems. In many regions of Nepal and other developing countries, people rely on physical books due to limited access to digital infrastructure.

At Books Mandala, our international shipping options and wide network of readers; including Nepalis living abroad, allow physical books to travel where digital files can’t. Unlike eBooks that require software updates or platform compatibility, print books work anywhere, anytime.

8. Reading Print Creates a More Joyful and Emotional Experience

Reading a physical book is a multisensory experience. The weight of the spine, the rustle of turning pages, the scent of ink and paper, the cover design, these elements contribute to the emotional joy of reading. Highlighting, dog-earing, annotating, and building a personal library are acts of personal connection that eBooks cannot replicate.

And unlike eBooks, where access can be revoked or limited by licenses, a physical book is yours to keep, gift, lend, or cherish for life.

9. Bookshelves Build Identity and Community

Your bookshelf is more than storage. It’s a reflection of your mind, taste, and memories. Collecting physical books allows you to share your reading life visually, connect with other readers, and revisit stories with ease.

Readers often repurchase their favorite eBooks in print for re-reading, gifting, or display. In our experience at Books Mandala, many customers buy physical editions of books they loved digitally, because owning the print feels more real, more lasting.

10. Physical Books Outsell Digital Ones for a Reason

Despite the growth of digital reading, physical books continue to dominate global sales. According to the Association of American Publishers, print books accounted for over 75% of all book sales as of 2023. This trend holds true in Nepal as well, where readers at Books Mandala overwhelmingly prefer physical copies, especially for literary fiction, nonfiction, Nepali literature, and gifts.

Final Thoughts: Physical Books Are Here to Stay

The benefits of reading physical books are not just emotional or nostalgic. They’re backed by neuroscience, psychology, and educational research. From improving focus and memory to supporting sleep and reducing screen time, print books offer real advantages that digital formats struggle to match.

Whether you're building a personal library or just buying your next weekend read, don’t feel guilty about reaching for that hardcover or paperback. Science says it's good for you.

Looking to add to your collection?

Browse our 50,000+ titles at booksmandala.com, check out our bestsellers, or explore affordable finds in our used books section. With payment options like eSewa, Khalti, bank cards, and Cash on Delivery, getting your next physical read is easier than ever.

Because in the end, a room full of books is a life full of stories and science agrees.