7 things successful people never do before going to bed, according to psychology

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | March 13, 2025, 1:33 am

We all marvel at the successful people in our lives, don’t we? We often wonder what they do differently that sets them apart.

Well, you might be surprised to learn that their secrets to success might just lie in what they DON’T do.

And that too, right before hitting the hay!

Now, hold your horses.

Before you start imagining elaborate routines or expensive sleep gadgets, let’s take a moment to appreciate the power of psychology.

Yes, it’s psychology that provides us with these intriguing insights.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of successful people and their bedtime routines.

More specifically, the seven things they absolutely avoid doing before they lay their heads to rest.

You see, success isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, it’s about knowing what not to do.

And who knows? By shedding these habits, you might just wake up to a more successful you!

Are you ready for this bedtime story? It’s time to tuck in and explore these enlightening nocturnal habits.

After all, the night is still young!

1) They don’t bring their work to bed

Here’s the first big no-no.

Successful people understand the importance of separating their work life from their personal life. And this separation starts with the bed.

You see, your brain associates your activities with your surroundings.

If you’re constantly bringing your work to bed, your brain will associate your bed with stress and productivity rather than rest and relaxation.

And guess what?

This can actually interfere with your ability to fall asleep! That’s right.

Your late-night email checking or spreadsheet updating could be the very thing that’s keeping you awake.

Not to mention, it’s also about setting boundaries for yourself. It’s about acknowledging that you deserve a break from work. You deserve rest.

Next time you feel the urge to bring your laptop into bed, resist it. Your successful self will thank you in the morning!

2) They don’t binge on late-night snacks

Now, I must confess, I used to be guilty of this one.

There was a time when my late-night routine wasn’t complete without a bowl of popcorn or a plate of cookies.

I mean, who can resist a tasty snack while catching up on their favorite TV shows, right?

But then I learned the hard way.

My late-night munchies were not only making me gain weight, but they were also interfering with my sleep.

I’d wake up feeling groggy and sluggish, not quite ready to take on the day.

Eating heavy meals or sugary snacks before bed can lead to indigestion and disrupt your sleep cycle.

Successful people know this and hence, they avoid late-night snacking.

So, I decided to change my habits.

I swapped my cookies for herbal tea and my popcorn for a good book. And guess what?

My sleep has improved immensely, and I wake up feeling energized and ready to conquer the day!

Success and snacks might both start with an ‘S’, but they don’t belong together in bed!

3) They don’t hold onto the day’s stress

Life can be a rollercoaster ride. One minute you’re soaring high with a successful presentation, the next you’re plummeting with a missed deadline.

It’s easy to let the stress of the day follow you into your dreams.

But here’s the kicker.

Successful people have a knack for leaving their stress at the bedroom door.

They understand that holding onto the day’s anxieties and worries won’t change what’s happened. Instead, it just robs them of their peace and rest.

How do they do this? Well, strategies vary.

Some meditate, others write in a journal, some practice deep breathing, while others simply take a few moments to reflect on the day and then let it go.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. It’s not easy. It takes practice and patience to master this art of de-stressing.

But once you do, you’ll find that your sleep is more restful and your mornings more hopeful.

Tonight, before you get into bed, leave your stress behind. Your dreams are too precious to be clouded by worry!

4) They don’t neglect their sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene might not sound as glamorous as a luxury skincare routine, but its impact on your success is undeniable.

Successful people understand this.

They know that a consistent bedtime routine signals to their brain that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

They also recognize that their sleep environment plays a crucial role.

A cool, dark, and quiet room is often the best setting for a good night’s sleep.

They avoid bright screens and loud noises that could disrupt their sleep.

As for me? I’ve found that a simple routine of reading a book and turning off my phone an hour before bed has done wonders for my sleep quality.

And the better I sleep, the more productive I am the next day.

Don’t neglect your sleep hygiene. It might just be the secret to your success!

5) They don’t ignore their body’s natural sleep signals

Did you know that our body has its own internal clock known as the circadian rhythm?

This rhythm regulates our sleep-wake cycle, telling us when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up.

Successful people are in tune with this rhythm.

They listen to their body’s signals and go to bed when they start feeling tired.

They understand that fighting off sleep can lead to restlessness and insomnia, which can hinder their productivity the next day.

Instead of staying up late to watch just one more episode or finish one more chapter, they choose sleep.

They acknowledge that their body knows best when it comes to rest.

Listening to your body is a form of self-respect. And self-respect, my friend, is a significant step towards success.

6) They don’t compare their routine to others’

In our social media-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing our lives to others’.

But here’s a gentle reminder – successful people don’t do this, especially not before bed.

They understand that each person’s journey is unique, including their sleep routine. What works for one person might not work for another.

They respect their own needs and routines, without feeling the need to measure up against someone else’s.

If you’re a night owl who thrives on late-night creativity, that’s perfectly fine.

If you’re an early bird who loves the peace of the dawn, that’s great too!

What matters is finding a routine that supports your well-being and success.

And remember, no Instagram post or Twitter thread should make you feel otherwise. You’re doing just fine!

7) They don’t compromise on their sleep duration

The most successful people in the world know that a rested mind is a productive mind.

They understand that skipping on sleep to get more done is counterproductive.

No matter how busy their day was or how much work is pending, they ensure to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep.

They value their sleep as much as they value their work because they know both are interconnected.

If you want to join the ranks of the successful, prioritize your sleep.

It’s not time wasted, but time well invested in your health and success.

The final takeaway

It’s quite possible you’ve recognized some of these bedtime habits in your own routine.

Don’t fret. We’re all works in progress.

The good news is, bedtime habits can be changed. It starts with awareness and a genuine desire to improve.

Success isn’t just about what you do during the day, but also about how you wind down at night.

Consider these seven points as guiding lights on your path to success.

Each night, as you prepare for bed, pause and reflect.

Are you bringing work to bed? Ignoring your body’s sleep signals? Comparing your routine to others?

Each small step towards better sleep hygiene, each moment of choosing rest over work or stress, is a step towards a more successful you.

Changing habits doesn’t happen overnight.

It takes time, patience, and consistency. But each night offers a new opportunity to make better choices.

As the sun sets tonight, remember – success isn’t just about the hustle.

It’s about understanding the power of rest and respecting your body’s need for rejuvenation.

Sleep well, dream big, and wake up to a world of possibilities.