Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you are experiencing chronic exhaustion, anxiety, or other health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
Let’s be honest—if sleep were something you could schedule, you’d have it locked into your calendar like a high-priority meeting. But between work, kids, and keeping a household running, rest is usually the first thing to go.
You push through because you can. You tell yourself you’ll slow down after the deadline, after the school event, after you check off just one more thing.
But then… there’s always something else.
So when the house finally quiets down, you stay up. Answering emails. Folding laundry. Scrolling mindlessly because it’s the only time that feels like yours. Even though you know you should sleep. Even though you’ll feel it tomorrow.
You wouldn’t let your kids burn out this way—so why is it okay for you?
Why Moms Stay Up Too Late
See if this sounds familiar:
You finally get the kids to sleep. The house is quiet. The whole world is quiet. And instead of going to bed, you think, I should really take advantage of this time.
So, you start an episode of a show. Then another. Then, before you know it, it’s almost midnight, and you’re deep into a Google rabbit hole about how long it would take to train for a marathon you know you’re never running.
There’s actually a name for this—revenge bedtime procrastination. It’s when you stay up later than you should because it’s the only time of day that feels like yours.
And it makes sense. But here’s the problem—you still need sleep.
Why a Mom Bedtime Actually Matters
You already know sleep is important. But here’s the thing: your exhaustion isn’t just about sleep deprivation. It’s about the weight of carrying everything.
Your brain never shuts off. Even in "downtime," you're planning, remembering, and anticipating the next thing.
You’re stretched too thin. Saying yes to one more thing because you can handle it—even when you’re already at capacity.
You treat sleep like an optional luxury, not a necessity. Because taking time for yourself feels like something you have to earn.
But when you do prioritize sleep, everything shifts:
Sharper focus, better decision-making, and fewer foggy moments.
More patience and less reacting.
Sustainable energy instead of relying on caffeine and sheer willpower.
The most successful, high-performing people in the world protect their sleep like their career depends on it—because it does.
So why aren’t you protecting yours?
How to Actually Stick to a Mom Bedtime
"Just go to bed earlier" isn’t exactly helpful advice. Instead, try this:
Put it on your calendar. Treat it like a non-negotiable meeting with yourself.
Ditch the doom scroll. That "quick check" turns into an hour—set a phone curfew.
Give your brain a signal. Stretch, read, journal—anything to tell your body it’s time to rest.
Let go of the ‘one more thing’ syndrome. The to-do list will always be there. You don’t have to finish to be worthy of rest.
Create a mini turn-down service. Dim the lights, turn on white noise, spritz some lavender on your pillow, and slip into comfy pajamas—make bedtime something to look forward to.
Your Challenge: Set (and Keep) Your Bedtime This Week
What time are you committing to? Write it down, set an alarm, or tell someone who can help hold you accountable—because you deserve better than running on empty.
And if you’re reading this way too late at night? Take this as your sign to close the tabs and go to bed. Your future self will thank you.