In a study done in 2019, it was found that students and women were the most vulnerable to this practice (Herzog-Krzywoszanska & Krzywoszanski, 2019). Major daytime stress is associated with revenge sleep bed procrastination because a number of people would like time for themselves to relax and entertain themselves, which is usually unavailable in the day. During this time of the pandemic, wherein the boundaries between working or studying hours and personal time become even more blurred, several surveys have discovered that these extended work hours have decreased leisure time and have triggered stress and procrastination, especially in women.
In order to be considered bedtime procrastination, a deferral in going to sleep, a lack of a reasonable justification such as underlying illness for sleeping later than necessary, and a consciousness of the negative consequences of sleep deprivation are the three factors that must be fulfilled. Bedtime procrastination has two forms: (a) dragging the process of getting into bed and (b) dragging the process of falling asleep in bed. This procrastination can be a result of delaying obligations such as household chores or requiring more time for them. However, it can also be caused by an individual’s desire to do enjoyable activities such as reading a book, participating in video calls with friends, and more.
Because the brain loses time to rejuvenate, habitually engaging in revenge bedtime procrastination can have negative consequences on health.
One’s mental faculties are affected by this practice.
Deprivation of sleep can cause a decline in thinking, memory, and decision-making.
In addition, productivity and academic achievement may also be negatively affected as the possibility of sluggishness in the morning is increased.
The extremely hazardous possibility of drowsy driving is also elevated.
Mental health may also be affected by practicing revenge bedtime procrastination.
Inadequate sleep causes individuals to be more vulnerable to irritability, mood swings, and other challenges regarding controlling emotions.
It can also be associated with different mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Decreased impulse control and self-regulation are also possible consequences of insufficient sleep that exacerbate the already negative sleep cycle.
Lack of ample sleep magnifies problems with physical health, as well.
Revenge bedtime procrastination causes people to be more vulnerable to long-term health problems such as cardiovascular problems, metabolic disorders, and degraded immune functions, which are problems caused by unhealthy lifestyles or habits.
Within the context of this pandemic, the absence of sleep can diminish the efficacy of the vaccines.
Indeed, revenge bedtime procrastination can be concerning. That is why people must prevent or combat it by practicing healthy sleep hygiene, which includes creating solid routines before bedtime and an environment conducive to sleep. Some examples of sleeping habits that may be helpful consist of:
Consistently sleeping and waking up at a certain time
Steering clear of beverages such as caffeine a few hours before one’s set bedtime
Avoiding the use of electronic devices thirty minutes before bedtime.
Reading a book, journaling, and stretching, are relaxation activities that may decrease emotional turmoil and ease one into sleep.
Fall asleep in a dark and quiet room with comfortable pillows, mattresses, and a dim night light if preferred.
