Why so many of us procrastinate bedtime — and what to do about it
There’s something almost sacred about the end of the day, when the house is quiet and no one is demanding your attention.
For many of us, this is when we can finally enjoy a moment to ourselves — something just for us. Whether that’s a favourite video game, television show, hobby or craft.
There’s just one problem: moments can turn into hours, and before we know it, it’s way past bedtime. Revenge bedtime procrastination has entered the chat.
Revenge bedtime procrastination is the term used to describe sacrificing sleep for leisure time. It’s a trade many of us making willingly, because our evenings feel so precious. But it can lead to ongoing fatigue and a host of other cognitive issues that come with lack of sleep.
Essentially, you’re borrowing energy from tomorrow to enjoy more of today. But over time, the math doesn’t add up.
The goal isn’t to cut out your ‘me time’, but to find a balance. Here are some ways to enjoy time to yourself without sleep deprivation.
Protect your hobby time earlier
Can you carve out time for your hobbies earlier in the day? Maybe it’s reading on your lunch break, or keeping dinners simple so you can start your evening sooner.
Stack your wind-down routine with something you enjoy
Pair sleep prep with pleasure — a podcast while you get ready for bed, or a show you only watch as you wind down. It helps bedtime feel less like a chore.
Plan something to look forward to in the morning
Good coffee, a nice breakfast, 30 minutes of hobby time before you head to work. It’s easier to go to bed when tomorrow promises something small but enjoyable.
Set boundaries early
Before you settle in, be clear on how long you’ll spend. For example, commit to two episodes of your favourite television show and then call it a night — rather than settling in and seeing where the mood takes you.
Revenge bedtime procrastination is a hard habit to break — the time you get to yourself is so precious. But the benefits of getting enough sleep are even more precious, as sleep tends to lead to better mood, clearer thinking, and more energy to actually enjoy your day.
So it’s not about giving up your evenings entirely. It’s about gently shifting the balance — keeping some of that time for yourself, while giving your body the rest it needs to feel good.