Spending just six minutes performing a common activity before bed can "reduce stress levels by 68%", thus promoting a better night's sleep, according to a medical study. Research conducted by the University of Sussex back in 2009 found reading for as few as six minutes was better and quicker at lowering stress than other methods such as listening to music (a 61% reduction), or going for a walk (a reduction of 42%). Experts believe that having to concentrate on the book helps distract the brain