Do you find yourself staying up too late at night, scrolling through social media or watching TV, only to wake up feeling tired and unproductive the next day? If so, it might be time to consider setting an alarm for 10 p.m.
Why 10 p.m.?
Many experts recommend aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, depending on age and individual needs. For most adults, this means going to bed between 9 p.m. and midnight. Setting an alarm for 10 p.m. can help ensure that you’re getting enough sleep to feel rested and energized the next day.
Additionally, research has shown that our bodies and brains benefit from consistent sleep schedules. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help regulate our internal clock and improve the quality of our sleep. By setting an alarm for 10 p.m. each night, you’ll be establishing a consistent bedtime routine that can have lasting benefits for your health and well-being.
How to make it a habit
While setting an alarm for 10 p.m. might seem like a simple enough task, it can be challenging to make it a habit. Here are some tips for making it easier:
- Start small: If you’re used to staying up until midnight or later, jumping straight to a 10 p.m. bedtime might be too drastic of a change. Instead, try moving your bedtime back by 15 minutes each night until you reach your desired bedtime of 10 p.m.
- Create a routine: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your brain and body that it’s time to wind down for the night. Consider incorporating relaxing activities like reading, stretching, or taking a warm bath into your routine to help you relax and prepare for sleep.
- Minimize distractions: If you’re prone to staying up late scrolling through social media or watching TV, it might be helpful to remove these distractions from your bedroom. Consider leaving your phone in another room or turning off your TV before getting into bed.
- Hold yourself accountable: Consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member to hold you accountable for sticking to your 10 p.m. bedtime. You can also track your progress using a habit tracker app or journal.
- Be patient: Changing habits takes time, and it’s normal to experience setbacks along the way. If you find yourself staying up past your bedtime one night, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, try to identify what triggered the behavior and make a plan for how to avoid it in the future.
The benefits of a consistent bedtime
In addition to improving the quality of your sleep, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can have numerous other benefits for your health and well-being. Here are just a few:
- Improved cognitive function: Studies have shown that getting enough sleep can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
- Better mood: Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and even depression. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help regulate your mood and improve your overall mental health.
- Increased productivity: When we’re well-rested, we’re more alert and focused, which can lead to increased productivity and better performance at work or school.
- Reduced risk of chronic disease: Lack of sleep has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By establishing a consistent bedtime routine, you can help reduce your risk of these and other health problems.