If you hit snooze on your alarm, you’re tired. If you crave junk food, you’re hungry.

This is basic human behavior.

But sometimes, it’s not that simple. Our actions, especially our nightly habits, can tell a lot about our level of self-discipline.

And if you find yourself doing these 8 specific things before bed, well… you might just be lacking in self-discipline. Trust me, I’ve been there too.

1) Scrolling through social media

Just one quick peek at Instagram or a swift check of Twitter before bed. But then, one post leads to another, and before you know it, you’re down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling.

It’s not just about wasting time. This habit is a clear sign of lacking self-discipline.

The blue light from your screen messes with your sleep cycle, and the constant influx of information overstimulates your brain when it should be winding down.

Also, let’s be honest: most of what we see on social media isn’t exactly uplifting or calming. It can leave you with a feeling of restlessness and even anxiety – not the best mood-setters for a good night’s sleep.

2) Snacking late at night

Ah, the midnight snack. I’m no stranger to this habit.

I remember those nights when I would find myself in the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge for something to munch on. Not because I was hungry, but because I was bored or because I was trying to stay awake a bit longer.

Late-night snacking quickly became a routine for me. A bag of chips here, a chocolate bar there… you get the drift.

I had to learn the hard way that discipline is about making the right choices for your wellbeing, even when no one’s watching or when the fridge is calling your name at midnight.

3) Skipping your nighttime skincare routine

Have you ever hit the sack without washing your face? Maybe once, twice, or more times than you’d like to admit?

During sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, healing and rejuvenating itself from the day’s wear and tear. But if it’s caked in makeup or covered in the day’s dirt and grime, it can’t do its job properly.

This can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and premature aging. And no one wants that!

4) Bringing work to bed

Our beds are meant for two things: sleep and relaxation. But for some of us, it becomes our second office.

Answering emails, making calls, planning presentations – you name it. Once you start, it’s hard to draw the line between work and rest.

Working from your bed is not only bad for your productivity, but also for your sleep. It creates a mental association between your bed and stress, making it harder for you to relax and fall asleep at night.

5) Not setting a consistent bedtime

I’ll be honest, I used to be one of those people who went to bed at all hours of the night. Sometimes it was 10 PM, other times it was 2 AM. I just went to sleep whenever I felt like it.

But here’s what I didn’t realize: not having a consistent bedtime can wreak havoc on your body clock, making it harder for you to fall asleep and wake up on time.

Once I started setting a specific bedtime and sticking to it (even on weekends), I noticed a significant change. I was falling asleep faster, waking up more refreshed, and overall, just feeling better.

6) Over-planning your next day

It might sound like a productive habit, right? Planning your next day in detail before you go to bed, so you can hit the ground running in the morning.

When you meticulously plan every minute of your day, it often stems from a fear of losing control or wasting time. But life is unpredictable and when things don’t go as planned, it can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Instead, try to strike a balance. It’s good to have a rough plan for your day, but leave some room for spontaneity and flexibility.

7) Avoiding quality time with yourself

We live in a fast-paced world, where we’re constantly bombarded with information and distractions. 

If you’re always watching TV, listening to music, or scrolling through your phone before bed, you’re not giving yourself the chance to reflect on your day or to reconnect with your thoughts and feelings.

Avoiding this quiet time can be a sign of lacking self-discipline. It’s about finding the strength to sit with your thoughts, even when it’s uncomfortable or boring.

8) Neglecting to wind down

Finally, if you’re jumping straight from your day’s activities into bed without taking the time to wind down, it’s a clear indicator of lacking self-discipline.

Your body and mind need this transition period to shift from the activity of the day to the restfulness of sleep. This could be reading a book, meditating, or simply sitting in silence.

 It’s a process that starts with winding down and preparing your body for rest. Treat it with the respect it deserves!

Embracing the power of self-discipline

It’s about understanding your habits, recognizing their impact on your life, and making mindful choices that support your well-being. And yes, that includes everything from what you do in the final hours before bed to how you set the tone for the day ahead.

Being disciplined isn’t about punishment or restriction. It’s about creating a life that is aligned with your values and goals. It’s about giving yourself the best chance at success and happiness.

Therefore, if you find yourself guilty of these eight nighttime habits, remember: change starts with awareness. And you’ve already taken the first step just by reading this.