Why Readers LIE About “One More Chapter”
Once upon a time, when I was managing a hospital pharmacy instead of writing books, one of my most reliable employees showed up late for work.
This was someone who was always early. Organized. Responsible.
But that morning she looked exhausted.
When I asked if everything was okay, she admitted she'd stayed up way too late reading a book.
Later that day, I overheard her telling someone about it. The way she talked about the story, the characters, and how she'd been reading under the covers long after she should have been asleep reminded me of something I've seen over and over again as both a reader and a writer.
We've all done it.
You look at the clock and tell yourself, just one more chapter.
Then suddenly it's 2:00 AM, your alarm goes off in four hours, and you're making choices that Future You is definitely going to regret.
As a scientist (and former pharmacist), I started wondering what exactly is happening in our brains when we do this. Is it lack of self-control? A psychological trick? Or is something else going on?
And after digging into the research, I found an answer I wasn't expecting.
It also explains why some books are easy to put down... and others keep you reading with a flashlight under the covers like you're twelve years old.
So now I'm curious:
What's the latest you've ever stayed up because you couldn't stop reading a book? And what book was responsible? (See the comments for that employee's book choice.)
I shared the full story—and the science behind "one more chapter"—on my Substack page. (Also see comments)
As an avid reader myself, I've fallen into the "just one more chapter" trap countless times, often realizing with regret that it's well past my bedtime. What's fascinating is how deeply our brains get involved in this experience. When we get emotionally invested in a book, our brains release dopamine — the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward — every time we encounter a plot twist or an unexpected emotional turn. This biochemical reaction encourages us to seek more of that rewarding feeling, making it incredibly hard to put the book down. I've noticed in personal experience that books with strong emotional hooks or compelling characters tend to have a more powerful grip on my attention. It's not just about the story; it's about how the book makes me feel. This aligns well with the idea that readers deceive themselves, telling lies like "I can stop anytime" or "I'll just read until this scene ends," only to keep going well past their intended stop. Moreover, reading late into the night creates a unique, almost secretive experience — reading under covers with a flashlight, reminiscent of childhood. This nostalgic aspect possibly adds to the appeal, creating a personal connection that increases engagement. Interestingly, the employee's story shared in the article reflects this common experience. Despite being responsible and organized, the emotional investment in the story temporarily outweighs practical concerns like sleep, illustrating that this behavior transcends age and occupation. If you find yourself regularly staying up late with "just one more chapter," it might be helpful to recognize this brain-driven impulse. Strategies like setting a firm reading cutoff time, choosing books that suit your mood (less compulsive ones if sleep is a priority), or simply allowing yourself designated reading days can help manage this fascinating, yet sometimes disruptive, reading habit.
