You’re exhausted after a long day at work. But instead of going to bed, you spend a couple hours scrolling mindlessly on the internet or watching television, finally falling asleep at midnight. 

Can you relate? This phenomenon actually has a name: revenge bedtime procrastination. Professor of clinical medicine Dr. Dasgupta describes it as “a cry from overworked people [who are] actually trying to put off bedtime just a little bit so they can reclaim something for themselves.” 

Unfortunately, sleep deprivation increases stress hormones in the body, disrupts circadian rhythms, and increases weight gain due to late-night snacking. Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, a hormone essential for good sleep quality. 

If you’re struggling with revenge bedtime procrastination, it may be time to establish a sleep schedule and healthy boundaries during the day. Your rested body will thank you!

This health tidbit is taken from the Lifelines section in our latest issue. Read the whole section for free here!

“‘Revenge Bedtime Procrastination’ Could Be Robbing You of Precious Sleep Time,” CNN, cnn.com, Feb. 15, 2021.