Is 10 PM Too Early to Go to Bed?
No, 10 PM is not necessarily too early to go to bed. Whether it's early depends entirely on individual needs and preferences, but for many, it's a perfectly reasonable bedtime.
Sleep expert Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan considers a bedtime of 9:30-10 PM optimal, highlighting the numerous benefits of sufficient rest, including reduced anxiety, improved focus, and easier exercise. [^1, ^5] However, it's crucial to remember that sleep needs vary. Some individuals naturally require more or less sleep than others. [^7] While aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep is generally recommended, the ideal bedtime will depend on your wake-up time and personal sleep patterns.
Perspectives on 10 PM Bedtime
Some individuals find 10 PM to be an early bedtime, even struggling to fall asleep before midnight. ^2 However, other individuals embrace a 10 PM bedtime routine, actively seeking strategies to achieve it. [^3, ^8] The key is consistency and aligning your bedtime with your natural sleep-wake cycle. [^9, ^10]
Benefits of Earlier Bedtimes
Getting to bed early, such as around 10 PM, can lead to several advantages:
- Improved physical health: Sufficient sleep boosts the immune system, improves physical performance, and supports overall health and well-being.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Adequate rest sharpens mental focus, enhances concentration, and improves memory.
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Well-rested individuals often experience lower levels of stress and anxiety.
For children, early bedtimes offer even more advantages, contributing to their overall cognitive, emotional, and physical development. ^11
Ultimately, the optimal bedtime is a personal matter. 10 PM might be perfect for some, too early for others, or just right for those seeking to improve their sleep hygiene. The key is to prioritize consistency and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to reap its considerable benefits.
[^1]: Dreem Distillery. (2023, January 23). Why Being in Bed By 10pm Is So Good for Your Health. https://dreemdistillery.co.uk/blogs/dreem-journal/why-being-in-bed-by-10pm-is-so-good-for-your-health
[^5]: Dreem Distillery. (2023, January 23). Why Being in Bed By 10pm Is So Good for Your Health. https://dreemdistillery.co.uk/blogs/dreem-journal/why-being-in-bed-by-10pm-is-so-good-for-your-health
[^7]: The Guardian. (2024, February 21). Is going to bed at 9pm the secret to happiness? My week of sleeping ... https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/21/is-going-to-bed-at-9pm-the-secret-to-happiness-my-week-of-sleeping-like-a-gen-zer
[^8]: The Fabulous Community. How do I get to sleep early, at 10 PM? https://www.thefabulous.co/qa/how-do-i-get-to-sleep-early-at-10-pm/
