u/Dubravka_Rebic

I’ve always felt different after a really focused reading session, so I did a brain scan before and after 20 minutes of uninterrupted reading (I work for a neurofeedback company and have access to EEG equipment):

- fast brainwave activity linked to mental busyness and overactive thinking became less widespread after reading.
- my fatigue index dropped quite a bit, which usually points to the brain feeling less mentally drained.- engagement stayed high, meaning my brain didn’t become sleepy or sluggish, it stayed alert.
- my brainwaves also became more state-dependent: more active when engaged, calmer when resting. That’s generally a healthier pattern than feeling mentally on all the time.

This made me want to read more....so if you needed motivation to pick up a book today, maybe this is your sign.

(this is just an n=1 curiosity experiment, not a scientific study or medical claim. I just thought the shift was interesting)

First time using a spike mat. Lay on it for 10 minutes, then compared EEG readings taken immediately before and after:

- Theta/Beta ratio: 2.73 to 1.88. Theta waves are associated with drowsiness and inward focus. Beta with active, alert thinking. A higher ratio can suggest a more foggy or unfocused state. Mine dropped, which on paper looks like moving toward more alertness.

- Delta/Alpha ratio: 3.22 to 2.33. Delta is the deep sleep wave, and Alpha is linked to calm wakefulness. A high delta presence while awake can indicate sluggishness. This ratio also dropped.

Both metrics moved in a direction generally considered better, but it’s just one session and one person, so this is an anecdote, not evidence. Sharing because it was interesting, not because I think it's conclusive.

Important: I work at a neurofeedback company. We tried this out of curiosity about how a different modality affects EEG readings, not as a promotion for the spike mat or anything else. We’ve also run before/after brain scans on coffee, matcha, meditation, cold plunge, and a few other things. If anyone’s curious, say which one and I’ll share what changed.

my brain scans before and after a 20-min reading sesh