Dr. Janet Krone Kennedy, a sleep psychologist, writes about including reading in a bedtime routine for young children (and, quite frankly, for adults who are having a difficult time unwinding as well). She mentions the early literacy benefits, but moves beyond that as well. Bedtime reading gives children physical closeness and bonding with their parents, an opportunity to talk about the day and any troubles that might occur, and a point of distraction away from the day, allowing fatigue and relaxation to take over.  

This  study was published in 2013, but it keeps popping up on librarian-themed Facebook pages after the caustic national election. Reading literary fiction helps socialize children by building their empathy. Scientists theorize that literary fiction focuses on character psychology and relationships, forcing the reader to deal with motivations and intentions that differ greatly from their own experiences. So, while reading more nonfiction is wonderful, we can't forget the value of students cracking open a novel.