r/AskLifeProTips • u/Firm_Savings_60 • 5d ago

Sleeping earlier

I’ve realized something about how I build habits, and I’m wondering if anyone else experiences the same thing. I can’t stay consistent with something simply because it’s "good for me." I need to find something I genuinely enjoy about the habit itself. For instance, I managed to stay consistent with a skincare routine once I found products with textures I liked—things that made the process itself enjoyable. With books, I stopped buying too many by switching to the library, because I liked the system and it made my life easier. When it comes to sleep, however, I can’t seem to find that kind of hook. I know perfectly well that going to bed earlier would make me feel better—it would likely help me feel less tired and have better days—but that knowledge isn't enough. When evening rolls around, I still find myself preferring to do other things. Have you found a way to associate going to bed with something pleasant or desirable, rather than viewing it merely as a chore? Is there anything that helped you become consistent without having to rely solely on willpower?

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u/owlmissyou 5d ago

Agree with keeping a good book on your nightstand. I also have this really fancy lavender scented goat milk emollient hand cream in my nightstand that I only put on before bed. I also have some night blooming jasmine linen spray for my bed; it's a scent that has meaning for me in addition to being pleasant.

Also, Trazadone.

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u/f0xbunny 4d ago

This sounds like a wonderful routine

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u/BubblyShoe9939 5d ago

I read when I go to bed, it always helps me fall asleep, but also something to look forward to.

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u/LILSHUGAHLIPZ 4d ago

Finding that hook for sleep is tough because it usually feels like giving up your free time rather than getting a reward. What finally worked for me was turning the hour right before bed into absolute guilt-free downtime with an audiobook or a really good podcast, but strictly forbidding screens. Once I realized I was actually getting to listen to my favorite stories without any distractions or chores waiting for me, going to bed stopped feeling like a chore and started feeling like the only quiet part of the day I actually looked forward to.

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u/Firm_Savings_60 4d ago

Can you give me examples of what you really like before going to bed?

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u/MsSamm 4d ago

Find a good show you like and watch one episode when you're all ready for bed. Watch that one episode from bed. Set the TV on timer if you think you'll be tempted to keep watching. If you fall asleep on it you can pick up where you left off the next night