A new study reveals that procrastinating bedtime—a common struggle for many young adults—may be shaped more by underlying emotional health and personality traits than by simple poor time management, offering fresh insights for those in Thailand grappling with late nights and insufficient sleep. The research, set to be presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting, highlights higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness and extraversion among individuals who routinely delay going to bed even without external obligations, findings that suggest new directions for sleep-related interventions and wellness strategies (Neuroscience News).
For Thai readers, where city life in Bangkok and other urban areas often encourages late-night study, work, or socializing, this research points to a deeper cause for the national sleep deficit—an issue with real implications for public health, education, and productivity. According to data from the National Statistical Office of Thailand, more than half of urban residents report not getting enough sleep, and sleep deprivation is increasingly recognized as a factor impacting the mental health and academic performance of Thai youths (NSO Thailand).
The new study surveyed 390 young adults, with an average age of 24, who recorded their sleep patterns, personality features, and chronotype—whether they naturally prefer early or late bedtimes—over a 14-day period. Even after accounting for evening or morning preferences, researchers found that bedtime procrastinators consistently showed not just poor planning or weak self-discipline, but more notably, higher emotional distress, symptoms akin to depression, and fewer positive emotional experiences.
Expert perspectives help explain these findings. A doctoral candidate in psychology at the University of Utah, who led the study, emphasized, “Our study demonstrated that individuals who habitually procrastinate their bedtime were actually less likely to report seeking out exciting, engaging, or enjoyable activities. Instead, bedtime procrastinators reported having emotional experiences consistent with depression, specifically endorsing a tendency toward experiencing negative emotions and lacking positive emotional experiences.” This angle suggests the issue is less about distraction or laziness and more about emotional regulation—how individuals cope with negative feelings and daily anxieties that surface especially before bedtime.
The research is clear: those who procrastinate bedtime are not simply “night owls” or victims of digital distractions. Rather, higher neuroticism (a trait linked to emotional instability), and lower levels of extraversion (reserved social energy) and conscientiousness (organization and self-control) were directly linked to the habit. These associations remained even when a person’s chronotype or body clock preference was controlled for. Thus, mood and personality appear to trump simple sleep routines or cultural habits of staying up late.
For Thailand, where late-night leisure activities are a cultural norm—think night markets, 24-hour eateries, and digital media consumption—such findings challenge the usual advice to just avoid screens before sleep or set more rigid routines. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, backing the study, underscores that adults need at least seven hours of sleep for optimal health. But simply knowing this isn’t enough if emotional distress is at the root of ongoing sleep delays (AASM).
Local health and education experts warn that chronic bedtime procrastination can lead to more than just daytime grogginess. Studies link a lack of sleep to impaired learning, higher rates of depression, and increased risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thai researchers at Chulalongkorn University have observed higher rates of sleep difficulty in university students during final exam periods and note that family or communal lifestyle patterns, such as shared bedrooms, can further impact individual sleep schedules (Mahidol University Sleep Research Center).
From a cultural perspective, delaying bedtime has deep roots in Thailand’s urban life. The growth of gig-economy jobs, popular online streaming, and “kult night” (คืนสุดท้าย) weekend habits all fuel late-night activities, but this new research suggests policymakers and public health authorities should focus as much on emotional well-being as on time management. Spiritual and mental health practices in Thailand—such as meditation, mindfulness, or guided relaxation before bed—may support better emotional regulation and thus reduce sleep delays. Buddhist teachings on mindfulness, popular throughout Thai society, may be a cultural asset in helping individuals recognize and address negative emotions that tempt them to stay up late.
Looking forward, the lead author of the study suggests, “given the ubiquity of this behavior, and its impact on sleep health, we hope to extend this research to determine whether reducing negative emotions prior to bedtime can be an effective treatment for bedtime procrastination.” For Thai healthcare providers, sleep clinics, teachers, and even parents, this means a greater emphasis on programs that both teach time management and target underlying emotional health. Such interventions could include cognitive-behavioral therapy, group counseling, or even community-based sleep health campaigns aimed at young adults. In schools and universities, integrating mental health services and sleep education may help students manage stress and develop healthier routines.
In the future, we may also see the integration of digital wellness apps or online platforms developed in Thai, tailored to help individuals track not just sleep but also mood and daily emotional triggers. As Thailand’s digital transformation accelerates, leveraging technology to support mental and sleep health could be an effective way to reach younger populations, who are at highest risk of bedtime procrastination.
For Thai readers seeking action, experts recommend a few relevant steps:
- Develop mindful nighttime routines that include emotional check-ins or meditation.
- Limit stimulating or stressful activities before bed, and create a calm, comfortable sleep environment.
- Seek support from counseling services if negative emotions regularly interfere with sleep.
- Stay aware of personal emotional needs, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if depressive symptoms persist.
- Families and educators should encourage open conversations about mental health and sleep, especially among teenagers and young adults.
As more research emerges, one thing is clear: solving Thailand’s sleep woes will require more than digital detoxes or alarm clocks. Addressing the emotional and psychological drivers of bedtime procrastination may hold the key to healthier, well-rested Thais—ready to meet the demands of an ever-active society.
For more information, readers may refer to the original coverage at Neuroscience News and additional resources from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.