Sleep Procrastination: Why Resist or Can't Sleep When Tired
Sleep procrastination, also known as “bedtime procrastination,” is a type of sleep problem that refers to the act of delaying going to bed despite feeling tired and the intention to sleep. It involves consciously and unnecessarily staying awake when one could or should be sleeping. Some even describe it as, “I want to sleep but my body won’t let me”.
Sleep procrastination often manifests as activities such as watching TV, scrolling through social media, reading, or engaging in other non-essential tasks when you should be getting rest. It’s essentially a form of self-sabotage where individuals choose to stay awake, even when they know it’s not in their best interest.
This behavior can lead to insufficient sleep, which, over time, can have negative effects on overall health and well-being. The reasons behind sleep procrastination can vary, including an overactive mind, stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, or other underlying issues. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I let myself go to bed?” — read on for some answers.
Why Don’t I Want to Sleep Even When I’m Tired?
One of the most common questions related to sleep procrastination is why we resist sleep even when we’re tired. The term “monkey mind” is often used to describe this restless mental state where your thoughts seem to jump from branch to branch, never allowing you to relax. Whether you’re worrying about work, replaying conversations in your head, or planning tomorrow’s tasks, this heightened mental activity can lead to sleep procrastination.
Is Sleep Procrastination a Symptom of ADHD?
For some individuals, sleep procrastination may be more than just a bad habit; it could be linked to underlying conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by difficulties in focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It can also affect sleep patterns. Research suggests that individuals with ADHD are more likely to experience sleep problems, including procrastinating at bedtime. The inability to settle down and engage in the bedtime routine might be a symptom of ADHD. While sleep procrastination is a common symptom of ADHD, it does not mean that you have ADHD if you experience sleep problems such as sleep procrastination.
Why Do I Resist Sleep?
Understanding the reasons behind sleep procrastination is crucial in finding effective solutions. Besides an overactive mind and potential ADHD, several other factors can contribute to resisting sleep. Stress and anxiety are major culprits, as they can trigger racing thoughts and restlessness. It’s easier to ignore stressful and anxious thoughts during the day when you are focused on various activities such as work and social interactions which diverts your attention.
At night, in a quieter environment with fewer distractions and external stimulation, your mind may become more attuned to internal thoughts and worries. Additionally, lifestyle factors, such as hours of blue light during the day and throughout the evening close to bedtime can disrupt our circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep when we should. Irregular sleep patterns, excessive caffeine intake, large meals late at night, alcohol consumption, and inadequate or ill-timed physical activity can also play a role in sleep procrastination.
How to Stop Sleep Procrastination
Overcoming sleep procrastination requires a basic but consistent approach. Here are some strategies to help you develop healthier bedtime habits:
- Create a Bedtime Routine: Establish a calming bedtime routine that signals to your body and mind that it’s time to wind down.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your sleep-wake cycle.
- Manage Stress: Regularly practice stress management techniques like traditional meditation, yoga, or breathwork to calm your mind and reduce racing thoughts. Consider NuCalm Rescue, PowerNap, or FlowState for reliable and predictable stress relief in as little as 20 or 30 minutes.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity but avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime.
- Limit Caffeine: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the hours leading up to bedtime.
NuCalm: A Solution for Quality Sleep
NuCalm’s patented neuroscience technology offers a reliable solution for those struggling with sleep procrastination. By regularly managing stress and anxiety, NuCalm Rescue, PowerNap, and FlowState help you achieve a state of relaxation and balance, making it easier to quiet the “monkey mind” and transition into sleep. Combined with the nightly use of DeepSleep, this clinically proven, patented technology has been shown to reliably improve sleep quality and promote a more restful night’s sleep within a few weeks (timing depends on sleep deficit and stress levels’ duration).
Sleep procrastination can be a frustrating and challenging habit to break, but with consistency and the right strategies, you can overcome it. By understanding the factors contributing to your sleep procrastination and adopting healthier bedtime habits, you can look forward to restful nights and waking up feeling refreshed. NuCalm Rescue, PowerNap, and FlowState’s stress-relief technology could be the key to improving your sleep quality and conquering sleep procrastination once and for all. Don’t let bedtime procrastination steal your precious rest. Sign up for our 7-day free trial and enjoy less stress which leads to better sleep.