Do you ever fall asleep while reading on the computer?

Do you ever fall asleep reading a book?

Personally, no to the first, most definitely yes to the second.

The difference in the user experience has a decidedly different impact. The rhythmic motion of your eyes scanning back and forth across the page is known to induce a bit of sleepiness.

Do our eyes treat reading on the computer screen differently? Is it the backlit glowing screen of the computer monitor? Does the abundance of alternatives for our attention on the computer “page” distract us? Does this interrupt the normal rhythmic motion of reading? Many people cite reading on the computer as an uncomfortable experience – is there fundamental reason behind the discomfort that drives the inability to truly relax to the point of sleep while reading on the computer?

Hello, I'm Taylor Davidson.
I'm an early-stage VC and a photographer. If you liked this post, please subscribe to this blog. For more like this, check out the archives, and follow me on Twitter @tdavidson.
  • http://www.taylordavidson.com/writing Taylor Davidson

    Expanding the thought to include electronic books: http://www.taylordavidson.com/writing/2008/06/1…

  • http://www.taylordavidson.com/writing Taylor Davidson

    Expanding the thought to include electronic books: http://www.taylordavidson.com/writing/2008/06/1…

  • Veronica

    I always get sleepy when I first started on this computer. It makes me so angry because I can't get anything done, especially when I have to do a 500 wrd paper. What is the best way to fix this problem

  • http://www.unstructuredventures.com/uv Taylor Davidson

    Is the question the best way to fix falling asleep while working on the computer, or the best way to get things done while working on the computer? Two very different answers :)

  • Mark Hamby

    Taylor i am presently working in my dissertation on the subject of the effects of reading and the brain. Do you have any research on this subject?

  • http://www.unstructuredventures.com/uv Taylor Davidson

    I wish I did; I would love to hear the results of your dissertation…

  • Mark Hamby

    Taylor i am presently working in my dissertation on the subject of the effects of reading and the brain. Do you have any research on this subject?

  • http://www.taylordavidson.com/writing/ Taylor Davidson

    I wish I did; I would love to hear the results of your dissertation…

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