I procrastinate going to bed? What can I do to change?

Many of us know the importance of sleep but still struggle to get into bed on time each night. With the increasing demands of modern-day life, we all have busy lives and lots of responsibilities. We are working more hours and trying to balance several aspects of our lives, and this can often lead to sleep taking a back seat.

If you are a serial procrastinator when it comes to getting into bed, you are at risk of sleep deprivation in the long term. Many studies show that when you are deprived of sleep, both your physical and mental health declines.

After just a couple of nights of sleep deprivation, you will feel fatigued, moody, and irritable. You will also most likely find it harder to concentrate on work and experience poor memory recall. Furthermore, when you lack energy and focus, you are less likely to participate in social events.

If you are a self-professed sleep procrastinator and you’re looking to change this, here are some top tips to make it easier to get to bed at a reasonable time.

Create a regular night time routine

Your body likes routine. When you establish a regular and consistent night time regime, you will find that your body and mind naturally wind down during the evening.

Make sure your nighttime routine promotes relaxation. You might want to include a quick stretching routine, a short meditation, or a warm bath. Whatever you find helps to relax your mind and body!

Switch off the devices

Your mobile phone, laptop, and television all emit blue light, which can disrupt your circadian rhythm and negatively influence your melatonin production. Without sufficient melatonin, you may not feel tired or ready for bed, even when it’s late.

To help overcome sleep procrastination, turn off your devices at least one hour before bed. Swap them for a book or evening walk to keep your eyes away from the screens. This will also prevent you from scrolling for hours when you get into bed.

Make your bed as comfy as possible

When your bed is extra comfortable, you will look forward to getting into it by the end of the day. Get a cozy duvet, a fluffy blanket, or comfy pillows to make your bed as appealing as possible.