KarenLet me guess… you’re exhausted.
But when the house finally quiets down and everyone else is asleep, that’s when your second wind kicks in. And even though your body is begging for rest, you find yourself scrolling, binge-watching, reorganizing kitchen drawers, or deep-diving a random rabbit hole on Pinterest.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. This sneaky little habit has a name—and it’s more common than you think.
Welcome to Revenge Sleep Procrastination
Yes, there’s actually a term for staying up late on purpose even when you’re tired—just to feel like you have a sliver of control over your day.
It’s not bad time management.
It’s not laziness.
It’s a quiet rebellion.
A psychological way of saying, “This is my time now.”
You’ve spent your entire day tending to everyone else’s needs. The to-do list never ends. And the only time that feels like yours? Is the magical (and slightly self-sabotaging) hour between 10 p.m. and… well, way too late.
Who does this the most?
High-achieving women.
Moms.
Caregivers.
Empaths.
Women who are always giving—and rarely receiving.
So if you’ve ever caught yourself staying up late just to feel like you finally had a moment for yourself… this one’s for you.
The Real Cost of Late-Night “Me Time”
We think we’re winning back our freedom.
But here’s what’s actually happening:
- Brain fog, irritability, and low energy creep in.
- Your immune system takes a hit (hello, random colds).
- Your hormones, weight, and skin? They all feel it.
- You’re more likely to make poor food choices or reach for sugar just to get through the day.
- And let’s not even talk about the mood swings or the snappy moments you wish you could take back.
Sleep deprivation becomes a vicious cycle that chips away at your vitality—and makes you even more likely to sabotage your sleep the next night.
The truth? You deserve time for yourself. But you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to get it.
Five Ways to Break the Cycle (Without Giving Up Your “Me Time”)
Let’s be honest—being told to “just go to bed earlier” is about as helpful as being told to “just relax” when you’re mid-meltdown.
So instead of forcing yourself into some rigid bedtime routine, let’s shift things in a way that honors your need for personal time and your need for actual rest.
1. Make Your Evening Ritual Indulgent (Not a Chore)
Instead of scrolling yourself into oblivion, create a nighttime wind-down that feels delicious.
Try:
- Twenty minutes of tea, journaling, and soft music.
- A skincare ritual that feels like a spa night, not a task.
- Listening to an audiobook or inspiring podcast while cozied up under a blanket.
Try this: Choose one feel-good nighttime ritual and commit to it for seven nights. Let it become something you look forward to—not something you “should” do.
2. Set a “Closing Time” for Your Screens
That blue light? It’s tricking your brain into thinking it’s still party time.
Try this:
- Power down devices 30 minutes before bed.
- Charge your phone outside the bedroom.
- Replace your nightly scroll with something that actually relaxes your mind.
If you feel twitchy without your phone, replace it with a playlist, meditation app, or paperback book you love.
3. Carve Out “Me Time” Earlier
The issue isn’t the late night—it’s the lack of space during the day.
So… build in mini “you moments”:
- A five-minute midday stretch.
- A cup of coffee on the porch—without multitasking.
- A guilt-free episode of your favorite show before dinner.
Block out 15 to 30 minutes of downtime earlier in the evening so you’re not white-knuckling your way to midnight just to feel like a human.
4. Use the Two-Minute Rule
Here’s a sneaky trick that works wonders:
Just tell yourself, “I’ll get into bed for two minutes. If I still want to get up, I can.”
Most of the time? You’ll stay in bed. Because the hardest part is starting.
This little hack helps you bypass the mental resistance and gives your nervous system a moment to relax and catch up.
5. Reframe Sleep as a Luxury
Here’s the mindset shift: sleep isn’t something you have to do—it’s something you get to do.
Imagine your bedtime as a sacred spa moment. Soft pajamas. Calming oils. Dim lights. Cozy blankets. No obligations, no demands—just you reconnecting with your body.
Say it with me: “I get to go to bed early tonight.”
Your 7-Day Sleep Challenge
Let’s make this real.
- Choose one of the strategies above and try it every night this week.
- Notice how it shifts your mood, your energy, and your patience levels.
- Email me with your experience—I’d love to hear what changed for you.
Final Thought: You Deserve Rest and Freedom
Listen—your time matters. So does your energy.
You don’t need to choose between self-care and sleep. You can have both. You deserve both.
Because midlife isn’t about powering through. It’s about reclaiming your vitality, your voice, and your joy.
So tonight, let’s start a new habit—one that feels like a gift, not a punishment.
If this resonated with you, send it to a friend who stays up too late too. And if you love these kinds of heart-to-heart, let’s-thrive-together conversations, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and leave a quick review. It helps more than you know.
Ready to reclaim more than just your sleep?
Let’s talk about Midlife Mastery—my 6-month group coaching experience for women who are ready to stop overgiving, set boundaries without guilt, and finally put themselves first.
We start with reclaiming your energy—and build from there.
Learn more about the program HERE.
