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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:06:50

Title: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:06:50
So besides buying keyboards I'll never use I've managed to buy quite a few books that have sat around for a while now.

My problem is I can't stay awake more than a few pages regardless of content.

Anyone else have this problem?
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: Belfong on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:12:01
You know what I do? I buy Kindle books and read in the PC! I never fall asleep in front of a PC!!
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:12:29
Read a better book.

But seriously, my mom does this, then realized it was because she only read right before bed. :))
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:20:40
You know what I do? I buy Kindle books and read in the PC! I never fall asleep in front of a PC!!

There's just something about having an acutual book though, I get tired of looking at a screen after a while.

Read a better book.

But seriously, my mom does this, then realized it was because she only read right before bed. :))

Yeah most of my reading is before bed.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: HardCelery on Thu, 02 October 2014, 02:52:56
Maybe some background music would help? Sit in a chair that forces you to sit up right or doesn't have a back, I'm guessing would stop you from falling asleep.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: paicrai on Thu, 02 October 2014, 02:54:46
just dont sleep man
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: Grim Fandango on Thu, 02 October 2014, 03:27:35
Get enough sleep. Or maybe read something that you find more entertaining.

I have been stuck up when it came to books for a long time. Only recently have I started reading books from the fantasy genre (previously thinking that it must suck). Since the start of summer I read The way of Kings, Words of Radiance, The first law trilogy, and the 2 most recent books from A Song of Ice and Fire. I think the main thing is that you have to be into what you are reading. If it is exciting to you in any way then it won't be hard to stay awake. Unless you are somehow already very tired before you start reading.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 02 October 2014, 04:03:34
Read a better book.
Or phrased more positively: stop reading ****ty books!

Alternately, I recommend caffeine, nicotine, and if those don’t work crystal meth.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: Oobly on Thu, 02 October 2014, 04:24:25
Sounds like everything is going like you should expect. If you don't want to sleep at reading time, don't read at sleeping time  :D

I read a lot of books lying in bed from my phone (Note 2 with Kindle app, black background, light coloured writing) and when the phone falls on me I know it's time to put it away.

If I'm not being social at the office during lunch I often read from my phone then, too. I like physical books, but Kindle books are more convenient and cheaper. Doesn't give the same level of satisfaction as a real book, though. Turning actual pages is rather a nice experience. Since I installed the Kindle app I've gone through a LOT of books.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 02 October 2014, 05:18:49
I tend to fall asleep while reading, but, like most, I tend to read (for pleasure) only at night while lying in bed.

Do you commute?  You could try reading while commuting.  I used to, but now I listen to podcasts instead, and often close my eyes.  Especially on X'Trapolis trains (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X%27Trapolis_100) if I am sitting next to a window because the A/C blows right down into your face.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 02 October 2014, 05:27:51
Read on a big screen TV..

Grey text on Black Background..

Only read Arrrgh Versions of books dled from Russian websites.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: feizor on Thu, 02 October 2014, 05:32:59
Read faster! Your brain is processing much faster than your reading speed, its getting bored and falling asleep.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 02 October 2014, 05:44:15
Read faster! Your brain is processing much faster than your reading speed, its getting bored and falling asleep.

that depends on what you're reading..

If it's Fiction...  Reading a book is typically slower than watching a movie..  the plot may move faster, and there may be more OF IT..   BUT... when a book slows down to describe how the character feels as he opens the door to a dark room...   These entire expletive sections are unnecessary had it been a movie or tv-show...  and (these) are also what makes a book so big..

Because if they just gave you the plot, it would be


Guy meets problem

Guy meets enemy

Guy meets girl

Guy sexies girl

Girl meets other guy, Drama....

Guy joins a gang

Guy rejects girl

Guy fights, kills other guy

Guy talk to girl, love rekindled

Girl dies, somehow the guy's fault

Leads into Movie 2.0
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 02 October 2014, 07:27:07

Yeah most of my reading is before bed.


When I am reading for serious content and/or education, I do it when my mind is fresh and alert.

For bedtime reading, I generally go for fiction and lighter stuff.

I usually find that I have 5-20 minutes of good attention, then abruptly start losing it as my mind starts to wander.
That is my signal to turn off the light and roll over.
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: demik on Thu, 02 October 2014, 08:47:11
Dont read boring books
Title: Re: Tips for staying awake while reading books
Post by: Melvang on Thu, 02 October 2014, 09:06:25
If falling asleep happens anywhere comfortably seated, try reading at the kitchen table, sitting on the floor leaning up against the coffee table/wall, IE try making yourself uncomfortable.