Gen X & Boomers Who Are In Bed By 10 & Happy About It Learned 8 Life Lessons Younger Generations Haven't Yet
Gladskikh Tatiana | Shutterstock Gen X and Boomers who are delighted to have an early bedtime have reached a point in life where they don't care about chasing other people's approval.
That shift in priorities comes with important life lessons that younger gens haven't quite figured out yet because they're still learning and growing. With age and time, people learn what does and doesn’t work for them.
Life lessons Gen X and Boomers with no regrets about a 10 p.m. bedtime learned that younger generations haven't yet:
1. Early to bed, early to rise
Oleksii Didok | Shutterstock
You’ve probably heard this phrase before. Often, it’s coming from someone older than you. They’re bestowing the wisdom of a good night’s sleep and how it can help you tackle the next day bright and early. It sounds silly, especially when it’s preached to you when you want to go out and have a fun night, but it’s true.
Though you may want to smash the snooze button, waking up early benefits our mental and physical health. It gives you more time in your day, allowing you to focus on things you care about, not just work.
Believe it or not, it can also give us more energy and may improve our sleep quality. Even if you feel like you can’t pull yourself out of bed in the morning, it’s important to try.
2. It’s okay to feel a bit of FOMO
Liderina | Shutterstock
How many times have you agreed to do something you weren’t up for because you feared you’d miss out? Waking up and seeing your friends’ Instagram stories can feel like torture when you choose to stay home. However, older generations are done doing things for the sake of doing them.
Millennials and Gen Z have added the term ‘FOMO’ to their vocabulary, and may view it as one of the worst things that could happen to them. They become envious of others and will go places just in case they miss out on something exciting. Often, this comes at the cost of their own preferences.
3. A good night’s sleep matters most
vectorfusionart | Shutterstock
Sleep plays a bigger role in our lives than we may realize. A study found that a good night’s sleep helps with problem-solving and maintaining memories. It also benefits our heart, circulation, hormones, immune system, and metabolism.
Younger people might take these benefits for granted. They’re likely relatively healthy and focused on having fun rather than getting in bed early. Instead, they’ll focus on having fun and worry about catching some Zs later.
4. You don’t need to have the same schedule as your partner
Focus and Blur | Shutterstock
My partner is a night owl. He can stay up late and wake up on time for work like it’s nothing. He’ll hang out in the living room long after I have gone to sleep. Our schedules couldn’t be more different. I could never stay up as late as he does, and he couldn’t fall asleep as early as I do if he tried. We’ve made our different schedules work, but some couples may struggle to do the same.
Sleep loss can affect relationships. To keep your partnership happy, if a different schedule works best, it’s totally fine not to fall asleep and wake up together. Older generations might have learned this over time, putting their rest first instead of that cutesy couple stuff younger people care about.
5. Being unavailable early in the night is beneficial
Dejan Dundjerski | Shutterstock
All day long, we are available to the people in our lives. Texting and talking on the phone leave us with no time without a distraction.
Work doesn’t end at the office, and the hangout doesn’t stop once you leave your friends’ house. Everyone has access to one another 24/7. Older generations stay off their phones more than younger ones for this very reason.
A study found that only 16% of older adults reported using their cellphones before going to bed. When they put their phones down at least an hour before bed, they fell asleep faster than those who scrolled until they were ready to fall asleep.
6. Embrace the peace
JLco Julia Amaral | Shutterstock
No matter how badly we want to stay up late or scroll mindlessly on social media, taking time for ourselves is beneficial. Prioritizing our sleep by going to bed even an hour earlier can change how we approach the next day. More rest means better focus, more motivation, and a positive attitude toward life.
Older generations grew up without constant distractions. Those who came of age before the internet went to sleep more peacefully. While they may have been tempted by their friends to stay out late, they likely fell asleep more easily without the pressure of an iPhone on their nightstand.
7. Staying in isn’t embarrassing
StockLite | Shutterstock
When the world is moving a mile a minute, wanting to keep up is natural. If all of your friends are going out constantly, it can feel embarrassing to say you need a night in. Let’s face it, young people can be mean. They may bully you into thinking it’s embarrassing to go to bed early or practice quieter hobbies.
Everyone wants to be socially accepted, but some people don’t let others’ judgments get them down. Aging comes with social pressure to maintain a youthful look and keep up with the Joneses. However, older people who have let go of that mindset will go to bed whenever they want, unashamed of being portrayed as boring.
8. It’s okay to say no to your friends
Miljan Zivkovic | Shutterstock
People-pleasing is something some people grow out of with age. They don’t feel the need to keep up the charade. At a certain point, everyone needs to put themselves first. It’s easier said than done, but saying no to plans can be an easy way to start personal growth.
Setting boundaries in adulthood isn’t always easy. We want to please everyone around us, so we say yes when we should say no. Once someone reaches a certain age, they’ve likely had enough experience to stand up for what they need. Instead of agreeing to do something that would affect their sleep, they’ll stay home without any guilt.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
