The Luna bed frame from SoftFrame Designs.

Why Are Gen Z and Millenials Going to Bed Earlier? All About Generational Sleep Habits

Have you noticed your younger coworkers looking suspiciously refreshed at morning meetings? Or is your twenty-something cousin mysteriously unavailable for those late-night Netflix marathons you used to enjoy together? 

If you've been picking up on these subtle shifts, you're not imagining things. There's a quiet revolution happening in bedrooms across the country, and it's turning conventional wisdom about youth and sleep habits on its head. 

The latest trend among Gen Z and millennials isn't about the latest fashion or technology–it's about embracing an earlier bedtime and prioritizing sleep. Let's dive into this fascinating shift in generational sleep patterns by exploring why young adults are increasingly choosing to get more sleep–and what it means for health.

 

The Early Bird Gets the... Rest?

It might sound surprising, but Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly embracing an earlier bedtime. Gone are the days when staying up late was a badge of honor. Now, it's all about that "grandma bedtime."

According to an analysis of more than 2 million Sleep Number smart-bed customers, adults between 18 and 34 went to bed at 10:06 p.m. on average in January, compared to 10:18 p.m. in January 2023. Young adults are getting to sleep a whole 12 minutes earlier than they were just a year ago.

But why the sudden switch?

 

The Sleep-Deprived Generation Wakes Up

Millennials, often dubbed the "burnout generation," have spent years burning the candle at both ends. Between hustle culture, social media addiction, and the pressure to have it all, sleep often took a backseat. But now, they're waking up to the importance of shut-eye.

For many millennials, getting to sleep earlier isn’t just trendy. It’s transformative for health and productivity. Though some millennials formerly worried that needing more sleep made them look lazy, after seeing more of their peers proudly prioritizing their sleep on social media, they’re more likely to aim for about eight to nine hours of sleep a night.

 


Gen Z: The Wellness-Conscious Sleepers

For Gen Z, early bedtimes are part of a larger wellness trend. This generation grew up with information about mental health and self-care at their fingertips, and they're putting it to good use.

 

The Science Behind the Snooze

Is it true that nothing good happens after 9 PM? 

Before you dismiss this as just another fad, let's look at what the experts say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults tuck themselves in for at least seven hours a night. However, many Americans are discovering they need more than that to fully function.

In 2022, adults in their 20s clocked an average of nine hours and 28 minutes of sleep–an 8% increase from 2010. That's a significant jump in snooze time! Of course, it’s not uncommon for our sleep patterns to naturally shift as we age. From about age 10, we tend to want to go to bed progressively later until we reach our early 20s. After that, our "chronotype" becomes more lark-like, meaning we start to prefer earlier bedtimes.

 


The Benefits of Beauty Sleep

So, what's driving this shift towards earlier bedtimes? The benefits of a good night's sleep are hard to ignore:

  • Improved mental health: Adequate sleep can help reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
  • Better cognitive function: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving.
  • Physical health boost: Getting enough sleep is linked to a stronger immune system and better heart health.
  • Enhanced productivity: Well-rested individuals tend to be more focused and efficient during the day.
  • Glowing skin: They don't call it beauty sleep for nothing! Proper rest can contribute to a clearer, more radiant complexion.

1. The Social Shift

Remember when FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kept us up all night? Well, there's a new acronym in town: JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out. Younger generations are finding satisfaction in prioritizing self-care over constant social engagement.

This shift is reflected in changing social norms. Brunch is the new night out, and "Sorry, I have an early bedtime" is becoming an acceptable excuse to skip late-night plans.

2. Career Benefits of Better Sleep

In a world where hustle culture once reigned supreme, the tide is turning. Companies are starting to recognize the value of well-rested employees. For many Gen Z and Millennial professionals, better sleep translates to improved job performance, increased creativity, and better emotional regulation in the workplace.

3. Sleep as Self-Care

For many Gen Z and Millennials, going to bed early isn't just about getting more sleep – it's a form of self-care and boundary-setting. In a world that often demands constant availability, choosing sleep is a way of saying, "My well-being matters."

This attitude extends beyond bedtime. Many early sleepers are creating elaborate nighttime routines, complete with skincare rituals, journaling, and relaxation techniques.

 

Is There a Dark Side of Sleep Obsession?

While prioritizing sleep is generally positive, it’s important not to take it too far. Becoming overly focused on sleep can actually be counterproductive. Anxiety about getting enough sleep or achieving perfect sleep habits can paradoxically make it harder to fall asleep. Sleep is a natural, passive process that we can't fully control. The goal is to create an environment conducive to rest without letting concerns about sleep itself become a source of stress.

So, how can you find the right sleep schedule for you? Here are some tips:

  • Listen to your body: Pay attention to when you naturally feel sleepy and try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This could include reading, gentle stretching, or meditation.
  • Limit screen time before bed: The blue light from devices can interfere with your natural sleep cycle.
  • Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary: Keep it cool, dark, and quiet.
  • Be mindful of caffeine and alcohol: Both can disrupt your sleep patterns if consumed too close to bedtime.
  • Don't stress about it: Remember, worrying about sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.

Embracing the Cloud-Like Sleep Experience of SoftFrame Designs

It's clear that prioritizing rest and comfort is becoming increasingly important. This trend towards earlier bedtimes and better sleep hygiene aligns perfectly with innovations in sleep technology and furniture design.

Enter SoftFrame® Designs. We’ve taken the concept of comfortable sleep to new heights with our all-cushioned, upholstered bed frames that offer a cloud-like sleeping experience.

With protective foam, health-conscious materials, and a design that eliminates hard surfaces, SoftFrame® bed frames create a serene and safe sleep environment. The luxurious, resilient fabrics and Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic not only provide comfort but also align with a variety of style preferences.

As we continue to prioritize sleep and self-care, products like SoftFrame® bed frames offer a tangible way to enhance your sleep experience. Whether you're an early-to-bed convert or still weighing the benefits of an earlier bedtime, creating a comfortable sleep space is a step everyone can take toward better rest. By choosing the right bed frame, you can create a space that is truly yours—a personal sanctuary where you can feel completely at ease. There, you can unwind, relax, and prepare for a restful night's sleep in an environment tailored to your comfort and style.

 

The Future of Sleep

In the end, the trend of younger generations going to bed earlier isn't just about changing schedules – it's about recognizing the value of quality sleep and creating an environment that supports it. As we move forward, it's likely we'll see more innovations and lifestyle changes that cater to this growing awareness of sleep's importance in our overall well-being.

So, whether you're adjusting your bedtime or upgrading your sleep setup, remember: good sleep is an investment in yourself. And who knows? With the right mindset and the right bed frame, you might just find yourself sleeping on cloud nine.

Create your dream sleep sanctuary: Take our quick quiz to discover the ideal bedroom setup for you!


Sources:

The Guardian - Is going to bed at 9pm the secret to happiness? My week of sleeping like a gen Zer

Sleepopolis- It’s “Cool” to Go to Bed at 9 p.m. According to Gen Z

NY Post - Gen Z and millennials are going to bed much earlier — and sleeping longer

WSJ - The Hottest New Bedtime for 20-Somethings Is 9 p.m

BuzzFeed - How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation

LA Times - Teens know how social media affects mental health. So they created resources to help

NY Post - ​​Women who skimp on sleep could be raising their risk of heart disease by 75 percent

Sleep Foundation - Aging and Sleep
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