There's just something about curling up with a good book that helps us relax. It's cozy before sleeping, and allows us to catch up on our reading time. In fact, sometimes the book is so good you even miss out on sleep, opting to learn more about your favorite characters instead. And in doing so, causes some seriously uncomfortable positions – all in the search for a great book. There are heavy necks. Arms that are tired and awkwardly propping up your reading material. And eyes that must roam to read their text. Perhaps even squinting in order to see in low light. Add them up, and you're making reading much harder (and much less enjoyable) than it should be.

Instead of craning and squirming into a comfortable position – that likely isn't comfortable for all that long – it's time to make actual changes so that you can not only read, but gain better health. Where reading can help promote health, not serve as a very entertaining way to undo it.

For MoreBack-Friendly Reading Habits:

Use pillows or other props in your favor. Start by fluffing or adjusting each pillow. Use wedge versions to specifically sit upright without losing support. You can also add in leg pieces to help out the lower half of your body, too. This option is great for the hips as well. Or use a neck pillow so you don't lean or strain when reading – which is usually done without us even knowing it. Adjust as necessary, putting in and removing pillows as needed. By planning for better support, you can work to add comfort and relaxation abilities even before you fall asleep.

Simple changes like these will not only help reading more comfortable, they'll work to eliminate aches and pains over time. By aligning the bones and ensuring that everything is where it's supposed to be (with or without awkwardly-placed weight, like slouching or reading positions), the body can naturally work to heal itself.

Next, prop your book. Your legs work great, but what about when they tire or become uncomfortable? The same goes for you hands and arms. Instead, use a pillow or small slanted prop to help keep books in place all on their own. You might need to hold pages to keep them from turning, but this requires little effort and won't pinch or tire nerves.

Now it's time to rethink bedroom lighting. If you don't want the main light switched on, there needs to be a lamp nearby. One that produces plenty of bright illumination. (Or if you prefer dim light, it needs to be close enough that words are still visible without squinting.) Another option is a clip-on light that attaches to your book. These provide direct beams where you need them – just remember they can add weight and aren’t ideal for thin or paperback books.

These tactics are also great for magazines an eReaders. However the latter has been linked to eye complications from being too bright, so be sure to turn down the hue and turn up your lamp. With less of a contrast, eyes are less likely to be damaged from long-term reading sessions.

Any other perks, a handy bookmark, fan to keep you cool, or a drink with a lid (to prevent accidental spills near your beloved pages) can also help. Not necessarily with health or alignment, but by creating a comfortable all-around experience. One that you'll be more likely to repeat and use to incorporate into your bedtime routine.

Start making these simple adjustments for an easy, yet health-happy way to read yourself to sleep each night.