nodding off while reading.

October 24, 2006 11:03 PM

I've not been able to read books without falling asleep for about the past year, however I can read the same content on my computer just fine. I should note that I normally use my computer at a desk, whereas I don't read books at the desk (because there's not room for the book and the computer on the desk.). I've got to solve this problem, or else I can't study many of the things I'm interested in.
posted by tehgeekmeister to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

I've never done this, but I know a number of people who do, not necessarily for this reason. Try using the non-writing end of a pencil or pen to trace along under each line as you read. Rather than just staring at a long page, you are actively doing something, so you shouldn't nod off.
posted by nightchrome at 11:24 PM on October 24, 2006

Where ARE you reading?

I suspect a bit of attention to your setting may help. eg I can read just fine sitting on the couch, but if I sit in bed with the same book I'll be out like a light.

Can you perhaps read at your computer desk, holding the book up?
posted by pompomtom at 11:28 PM on October 24, 2006

Response by poster: sometimes in a chair, sometimes laying on the floor, sometimes on my bed. it really doesn't matter where. even on the bus with lots of people talking loud and bright lights i fall asleep.

holding the book up is no go for lots of my books, they're rather hefty volumes.


as for the pencil, that's a really good idea, i'll try that.
posted by tehgeekmeister at 1:27 AM on October 25, 2006

You may want to find a larger desk where you can both use the computer as well as read a book. I find that I can't read a PDF document closely for work more than two pages long - I must print it out and read it on my desk.

As for a bookstand, you may want to look at this (or something like it) from Levenger. I believe that reading something worthwhile goes a long way toward being able to pay close attention, and falling asleep while doing something indicates your attention is elsewhere.

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it is too dark to read."
posted by scooterdog at 3:30 AM on October 25, 2006

Forgive if this seems to obvious, but do any of the books you're interested in come in either ebook or audiobook format? The latter has been a godsend for me, during commute.
posted by jbickers at 3:31 AM on October 25, 2006

See also
posted by grouse at 3:32 AM on October 25, 2006

Taking notes as you go will help, both with studying and with keeping awake and focused. Just paragraph by paragraph, a single summation sentence of what you've just read, like, "Person falls asleep when reading printed books, can't study, needs help." Even if you never refer to these notes again, you'll find your retention of the material will be much better than if you were just reading it freely.
posted by Rubber Soul at 4:23 AM on October 25, 2006

I had this problem when I was studying for my PhD oral exams. Turns out, it was deep-seated anxiety about the exams; I'd failed them the first time, and another failure meant 6 years of work down the drain. A visit to the doctor and a handful of Xanax did the trick for me. YMMV, of course.
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:30 AM on October 25, 2006

I had a similar problem in college. I don't know the answer, but sleep is an important part of learning. What happens if you give in sometimes and take a nap?
posted by Good Brain at 9:26 AM on October 25, 2006

Have you tried standing? If it works, you could pick up a music stand or a lectern.
posted by chairface at 10:13 AM on October 25, 2006

If you think your ability to read off the computer is because you're sitting at a desk, and you don't have room to read actual books there, how about sitting at a table where you have enough room instead? I would think your dining table (or whatever) would be equivalent to a desk for this purpose. A bookstand on top of the table might be even better.
posted by redheadeb at 6:12 PM on October 25, 2006