People Who Prefer Being Cozy In Bed By 9 PM Usually Have 7 Nighttime Habits That Make Them Truly Happy
My Ocean Production / Shutterstock Lots of people think a great night means staying out late and having an amazing time they'll remember forever, while others can think of nothing they'd rather do than settle in super early.
Those people who almost always prefer to get themselves cozied up in bed before 9 PM usually have developed specific nighttime habits that they've found genuinely make them happier than they would be otherwise. Spending that quiet time with no distractions or obligations is an excellent way to rest both their body and mind so they can get a running start the next morning.
If someone prefers getting cozy in bed before 9 PM, they usually have these nighttime habits that truly help make them happy
1. Canceling plans in favor of getting rest
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For some people, the build-up before going out to social events and all the anxiety that swirls around preparing for it is a lot to deal with. Especially for someone with a busy job or a lot of stress at home, canceling plans can feel like a huge relief. All that pent-up energy is released, and they can just focus on unwinding and relaxing on their own.
Especially for introverted people, canceling plans can make them truly happy because it gives them time to themselves. They might be somewhat disappointed they didn't spend time with their favorite people, but protecting their energy is a priority they can't and won't ignore.
2. Watching comfort TV shows
People with chaotic routines and busy, stressful jobs often find that coming home and watching a TV show they love is a great way to give their brains a rest. They know what to expect and feel connected to the characters, finding comfort in rewatching the familiar story unfold again.
In their opinion, there’s nothing better than the soft glow of the TV in a dimly lit room while sitting in their comfy bed. Even if it’s just playing in the background while they’re brushing their teeth or changing into their pajamas, there’s something special about this kind of relaxation. It’s something they can rely on to feel in control at the most vulnerable time of the day, right before they go to bed.
3. Cuddling with a pet or partner
Many think there’s nothing better than quality time in the evening with a partner or favorite furry friend, without distractions from phones or other people. Going to bed at the same time each night and indulging in these nighttime rituals together is also incredibly healthy for couples because it establishes a more secure attachment.
Even for people who don’t have a partner at home, cuddling with a pet or a stuffed animal can be equally comforting. Especially after a long day when they've felt pressured to put their emotions aside to be as cooperative and productive as possible, it’s comforting to sit quietly with a pet or someone you love with no expectations other than each other's presence.
4. Changing into comfy clothes
Sometimes, all we need to start feeling more relaxed at the end of the day is a cue our brains can immediately recognize. Changing into comfy clothes is a great way to do that.
It's long been known that soft fabrics can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the hormone that causes feelings of relaxation and happiness. Even though they may not be aware of that fact, they've experienced the benefits of this comforting nighttime practice firsthand and make it a part of their regular routine.
5. Putting their phone in another room
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There’s little that sabotages cozy energy like unwarranted notifications from work or doomscrolling on your phone. That’s why people who love to be in bed early to unwind are intentional about putting their phone in another room or turning it off completely.
Even if you’re snuggled in bed in your coziest pajamas, the mere presence of a phone can distract you and keep your brain and body wide awake. So they remove it to avoid the temptation to focus on being present and engage in rituals that actually make them tired enough to wind down and sleep.
6. Having a bedtime snack
Eating certain foods or an entire meal right before bed can disrupt your sleep, but sometimes a small snack or soothing tea is the perfect cue for your body that it's sleepy time. Especially after a busy day, this might be the only mindful eating experience some people have, and that’s something to protect and appreciate.
Hunkering down with a light snack that contains melatonin, magnesium, or tryptophan, or sipping some tart cherry juice or chamomile tea can help improve the quality of your sleep, setting you up for happier days ahead.
7. Turning on ambient lighting
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Instead of keeping all the lights on around the house while you're getting ready to call it a night, people who love being in bed early create a cozier atmosphere.
Drawing the blackout curtains or turning on LED lamps with red instead of blue light helps your body release melatonin, cueing it to unwind.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
