Revenge Sleep Procrastination
I think all of us mamas and caregivers can agree – there just aren’t enough hours in the day. However, some {brilliant} people make the choice to follow the golden rule… sleep when the kids sleep.
And then… there’s me.
On this episode, I’m sharing with you how habitually engaging in Revenge Sleep Procrastination finally took its toll on my health.
Revenge sleep is essentially resisting and putting off sleep while stretching out the last little bits of the day into the night. For me – I found myself binge watching tv shows, starting a new creative project, finishing up work that was otherwise neglected, responding to emails and texts, and ultimately doing “all the things” to reclaim some of that me time that I felt I missed out on during the day. Some nights, I did all of the above in ONE NIGHT!
Living a life of back to back busy-ness, while running on empty and doing everything for everyone, led to inevitable burnout.
Sound familiar, Mama?
So my dear friend slapped some sense into me. Check out what she does for herself, to maintain a normal sleep routine, and a better quality of life all around. How she was able to find balance between her wake hours and her sleep hours, by simply doing ONE. AMAZING. THING.
By learning how to simplify my day to day, negotiating a curfew for myself, acknowledging that something needed to change, fighting the superpower (and detriment) of hyperfocus, letting go of the unrealistic expectations I have of myself, and setting boundaries – life is well on its way to a better (and well rested) day.
Join me on our newest podcast episode below, as I talk about the “why” behind my need to revenge sleep, what happened to “scare” me into ending the madness while working on “making things right” again.
Darling, go the eff to sleep,
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Honestly, I am with you. Not enough hours. I always slept when baby slept especially my first. She only slept for about an hour and a half to two hours so I couldn’t cope otherwise.
I totally do this! Every single day. And I regret it every single day.
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I will have to listen for sure. I admit, some days I do not get as much sleep as I should!
Amber Myers recently posted…Hey, It’s Okay
This is so me! I savor every little bit of me-time after everyone else goes to sleep. But I really need to get my normal routine back on. Thanks for the reminder!
I don’t even know how you mamas do it? Happy you reclaimed your sleep
I’m with you there. I’m trying to embrace getting more sleep though!
I have never heard this term, revenge sleep. haha but I assume most moms are doing it!
Giving yourself a curfew, probably easier said than done, but brilliant idea!! From what I’ve read, having a consistent bed time is so essential!! But it’s so hard…
Oh yes!!! Even now that my kids are older I find myself stretching out my day. I feel so much better when I go to bed at a decent hour.
as a mom, i totally agree! revenge sleep is actually the worst there is!
Jasmine Hewitt recently posted…The Most Popular Home Decor Products On Amazon Summer 2021
Thanks–I’m going to use the term “revenge sleep” in as many conversations as possible, and see what happens.
i used to try to sleep during the time they slept when my teens were babies.. but did not work always so ended up sleep deprived every few days 🙂 and then i would sleep in without even hearing the alarm
Oh no, I think I’m doing that right now as I’m reading and commenting on your blog late in the evening – and I still have a lot more activities planned for tonight.
Luci W. recently posted…Light, Refreshing Summer Cake: Oma’s German Lemon Sheet Cake (Zitronenkuchen)
Oh yes I can definitely relate. My daughter is doing that now with her two littles. And she is exhausted.
I have found that having a “bed time” for myself really gives me a lot of time to sleep and relax, which makes me more efficient day to day. I was once one of those people that was up all night doing self care, but it turns out, the best self care for me is sleep.
Oh my gosh! This is what I’ve done! I didn’t know there was a name for it. But this is absolutely what I do too.
rachel recently posted…Quick and Easy Sheet Pan Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Very interesting !! I did this when my children were younger and didn’t know what it was called.
I am so guilty of revenge sleeping. I never knew the term from it but I definitely do it. I’m trying not to do that as much anymore.
This is the first time I’m hearing this term, but oh my, I can see it being really common. I try to be super strict about bedtime, it’s never worth it in the end.
A lot of parents mainly mothers have to sacrifice their sleep due to kids. But it must not be, thanks for the reminder.
Many caregiver cannot sleep properly during daytime and night-time due to their duty. But in your article, you shared a brilliant idea that to sleep when children were sleeping. Probably it will not be applicable for everyone, but it is a good advice. Thanks for your article.
Stanley Hewitt recently posted…Home Watch: an Encore Profession for Veterans
I had never heard it called Revenge Sleep before, but I am familiar with the concept itself. I’m glad I’ve got a name for it now!
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