Benefits Of A Book Stand For Reading In Bed

There’s nothing quite like curling up in bed with a good book, but if you’ve ever experienced neck pain, eye strain, or wrist discomfort while reading, you know it’s not always as relaxing as it should be. In this blog, we’ll explore how a book stand can make reading in bed much more comfortable. From easing the strain on your hands, neck and wrists to making books more accessible for people of all abilities, a book stand takes the hassle out of bedtime reading.

Why Use A Book Stand?

A book stand is designed to keep a book in place, at a comfortable angle, without the need to hold it. They come in a variety of designs from compact and foldable models for portability to free-standing ones which are ideal next to a bed, sofa or desk. Using a book stand can make reading easier and more enjoyable and can help support areas of the body too.

Alleviate strain on wrists and arms

Holding a book for an extended period of time can put stress on the muscles and joints in your hands, wrists, and arms, leading to discomfort. For those with limited dexterity, a book stand can help minimise this strain and prevent unnecessary tension. Some stands also come with page clips, making it easier to turn pages without exerting too much effort.

Reduce Neck and Back Pain

Lying down and reading a book in bed forces many people to tilt their heads down at an awkward or uncomfortable angle. Over time this posture can lead to stiffness and radiating pain in the neck, shoulders and back which can develop into worsening physical health. Book stands can help negate this issue by allowing users to continue reading their books when laid down, but at an adjustable height that reduces strain on these areas. With some models, users may be able to lie almost entirely flat or on their side to enjoy more comfortable reading.

Avoid Eye Strain

36% of UK book readers choose to do so at night time and while this might feel like a relaxing proposition before heading to bed, poor lighting and awkward book positioning can cause problems for the eyes. In a short amount of time eye strain can transpire into dizzying headaches, nausea and fatigue. Many book stands allow you to adjust the angle, ensuring you have the best reading position. Some models also feature built-in lights, which can make reading in the dark easier at a distance, helping to reduce the need to squint or strain eyes.

Suitable for All Changes

A book stand is an excellent tool for individuals with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other mobility conditions that make gripping and holding objects difficult. It allows for hands-free reading, reducing discomfort and making books more accessible for everyone.

Improve Posture

Reading in bed can be relaxing, but without proper support, such as the right mattress it’s easy to fall into awkward positions that lead to discomfort or long-term strain. A book stand helps promote better posture by keeping your book at eye level, reducing the need to hunch over or slouch. By encouraging a more natural reading position, it can help prevent neck, back, and shoulder pain and improve overall posture.

Suitable for Chairs

While perfect for bedtime reading, book stands provide a stable, adjustable platform that ensures your book stays in place at the ideal height and angle. This means you can sit back and relax in a rise and recline chair too, without worrying about holding the book upright or creating unnecessary strains and pain to your muscles.

Types of Book Stands

Book stands come in a variety of shapes and sizes and provide different reading options that can help improve accessibility and make reading more enjoyable.

Book Pillows

A book pillow is a soft, cushioned support, designed to hold a book in place when sat upright or lying down. They are typically angled and triangular in shape which helps create a comfortable reading position.

Pros: The soft cushioning of a book pillow provides a comfortable surface to rest your book, making reading in bed or on a chair more enjoyable. The incline design holds your book at a good angle, so you don’t need to hold it up with your hands either, reducing strain on your wrists and arms.

Cons: While book pillows are designed to provide comfort, they may not offer the same level of adjustability as a book stand, which could be more useful for varying reading angles. Their typically small size means they might not be suited to larger books either.

Ergonomic

Ergonomic book stands are lightweight and foldable and can be easily moved around or stored. They are ideal in office and bedroom spaces and can be positioned around a bed or desk with ease making for an enjoyable reading experience.

Pros: Ergonomic book stands offer multiple adjustable angles, allowing you to position your book at the ideal height and angle for comfortable reading, reducing strain on your neck and back. They are also great for a variety of book sizes and many will also accommodate tablets and e-readers making them a more versatile product.

Cons: Although ergonomic stands are great for improving posture, they don’t offer the soft, cushioned comfort that a book pillow does. Additionally, they need a flat surface to function properly, which might not be available in some areas of your home, like on a rug or uneven ground.

Clip-On

A clip-on book stand is a compact, lightweight device that attaches to a book or e-reader, holding it open at a set angle for hands-free reading.

Pros: Clip-on book stands are portable and lightweight, making them easy to carry to different areas of the home. They’re also ideal for other tasks, like cooking or eating, since they allow you to keep the book open without using your hands.

Cons: Clip-on book stands work best on flat, stable surfaces. Using them on uneven or soft areas, like a bed or couch, may lead to instability. Additionally, some users may find it tedious to adjust the clips each time they turn a page.

Tray or Table

A tray or table book stand features a wide base and is designed to hold books at an adjustable angle on a flat surface, such as a table or desk. These stands provide support for heavier books or devices and may have space to accommodate other items, such as a drinks holder or a pen well.

Pros: Many models of tray or table book stands allow you to adjust the reading angle, ensuring a more comfortable posture and reducing strain on your neck, back, and eyes. They’re also a great multi-purpose option for those looking to read, study or use as a stand for other devices like a tablet or e-reader.

Cons: Due to their large size, tray or table book stands require a stable, flat surface to be used, making them less suitable for reading in bed or on soft furniture. Additionally, their bulkier design and heavier weight make them less portable than other options, limiting your ability to read comfortably in a variety of locations.

Choosing the Right Book Stand

When selecting a book stand, it's important to consider both its practicality and how well it suits your specific needs. For instance, someone who values mobility might prefer a more portable option, while an individual with reduced dexterity may benefit from a more stable, standalone book stand. Here are some other factors to keep in mind when making your choice.

Book Size

Consider the size of the books you read. Larger, hardcover books may require a sturdier stand, while smaller paperbacks or e-readers may need a more compact stand.

Reading Type - Newspaper / Magazines / Kindle

Think about what you’ll be reading most often. A stand that works well for a newspaper or magazine might need to be smaller or more adjustable and won’t be a necessary fit for other reading materials. Similarly, a stand that is more suitable for a Kindle or tablet might include features that are otherwise pointless with paper items, such as charging ports, screen tilt adjustments, or anti-slip grips designed specifically for electronic devices.

Adjustability

An adjustable stand will give you more flexibility allowing you to change the angle and height of the book, to maintain a more comfortable reading position whilst also allowing you to perform other tasks.

Sturdiness

If you plan to read heavier books or use a stand for long periods of time, you’ll need one that is sturdy enough to hold the book or device without tipping over. A stable stand will also help keep the book in place.

Collapsable vs Permanent

Collapsible stands are ideal for portability and can be more easily stored away when not in use. On the other hand, permanent stands tend to offer more durability and come with advanced features such as tilt-technology, making them better suited for long-term use but less practical for reading on the go or in other areas of the home.

Oak Tree Mobility are here to help

For further information on how Oak Tree Mobility can support you or your loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for your mobility and comfort needs.