Wed, Oct 26, 22

Revenge Bedtime Procrastination and How to Overcome It

Medically reviewed by: Medical Doctor, MD
Written by: Magic Mind team
Last Updated: 10/26/2022

Major Takeaways

  • If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to seek help from a sleep specialist.
  • If we're avoiding something unpleasant the next day, our brains tend to stay in "fight or flight" mode, which makes it harder for us to relax.
  • Also known as "sleep procrastination", this happens when we deliberately delay going to bed, even though we know we'll be exhausted the next day.

It's 1AM, you're dead tired, and all you want to do is go to bed. But for some reason, you just can't seem to fall asleep. You toss and turn for what seems like hours, but the sandman still won't come. As the minutes tick by, your tiredness turns into frustration, and before you know it, you're wide awake and fuming mad.

Let's face it, we've all been there.

If this sounds familiar, then you're probably a victim of bedtime procrastination. Also known as "sleep procrastination", this phenomenon happens when we deliberately delay going to bed, even though we know we'll be exhausted the next day. When our brains are so exhausted that they start to rebel against us, refusing to let us fall asleep in spite of our best efforts. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why revenge bedtime procrastination happens and give you some tips on how to overcome it.

Why Does Revenge Bedtime Procrastination Happen?

There are a few different reasons why revenge bedtime procrastination might occur.

  • First, if you're someone who generally has trouble sleeping, your brain may have gotten into the habit of staying up late at night.
  • Second, stress and anxiety can also lead to revenge bedtime procrastination. When we're feeling stressed or anxious, our brains tend to stay in "fight or flight" mode, which makes it harder for us to relax and fall asleep.
  • Third, reason revenge bedtime procrastination might happen is if you've been working hard all day and your brain is still in "work mode." This is especially common for people who work in tech-related fields or who are college students. When we've been staring at screens all day or working on mentally-taxing tasks, our brains have a hard time shut off at night.

How to Overcome Revenge Bedtime Procrastination

So now that we know why revenge bedtime procrastination happens, let's talk about how to overcome it.

  • If you have trouble sleeping in general, it's important to establish a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help train your brain to fall asleep at a certain time each night.
  • Cut back on screen time before bed. This means no more working on your laptop in bed or scrolling through social media right before you turn off the lights. The blue light from screens can disruptive our natural sleep cycle, so it's best to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine for yourself. This could involve taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing some gentle stretching. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that will help you wind down and prepare for sleep.
  • You should also create an environment that's conducive to sleep by keeping your bedroom dark and cool (between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal). Make sure your mattress is comfortable and that you have enough pillows so that you can get into a position that's comfortable for you.

But, seriously...

If you find that you're still struggling with revenge bedtime procrastination despite following these tips, it might be time to see a doctor or sleep specialist. They can help you identify any underlying sleep disorders or issues that might be contributing to your problem and develop a plan to address them.

In the meantime, try not to get too frustrated with yourself if you can't seem to fall asleep right away. Remember that everyone struggles with sleep from time to time, and that there's no shame in seeking help if you're having persistent difficulties. Sweet dreams!

Conclusion

If you've ever found yourself tossing and turning at night despite being dead tired, then you've probably experienced revenge bedtime procrastination. This phenomenon occurs when our brains are so exhausted that they start to rebel against us, refusing to let us fall asleep in spite of our best efforts. In this article, we explored the reasons why revenge bedtime procrastination happens and gave you some tips on how to overcome it. By establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a bedroom environment that's conducive to sleep, you can put an end to those frustrating late-night battle with your pillow once and for all!

Do you want to do more with less stress?

We’re the world’s first productivity drink designed to stimulate energy and focus, while decreasing stress, oxidation, and inflammation in the body. Check out Magic Mind today.

Keep reading

Are you ready to be transformed?

More than just a fleeting charge up, Magic Mind is designed to provide a long-term boost in cognition and energy.