Don’t trust what you think after 9pm
Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and suddenly feeling a wave of doubt wash over you? You start questioning your decisions, your relationships, and even your own sanity. This is a common experience for many people, and it often happens after 9pm. The question is, why do we tend to doubt ourselves during these late-night hours?
One possible explanation is the effect of sleep deprivation on our cognitive abilities. When we’re tired, our brain’s ability to process information becomes impaired. This can lead to irrational thinking and a skewed perception of reality. As a result, we may find ourselves questioning our own thoughts and decisions, even when we know they’re sound in the light of day.
Another factor that could contribute to our tendency to doubt ourselves after 9pm is the release of certain hormones. For instance, cortisol, the stress hormone, tends to peak in the evening. This can make us more prone to anxiety and self-doubt. Additionally, melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, can also affect our mood and cognitive function. When melatonin levels are high, we may feel more irritable and less confident in our abilities.
It’s also worth considering the role of technology in our late-night doubts. Many of us spend hours scrolling through social media or watching TV before bed. This exposure to negative news, criticism, and comparisons can leave us feeling inadequate and questioning our self-worth. It’s important to remember that these online interactions are often not an accurate representation of reality, and they shouldn’t be the basis for our self-esteem.
So, what can we do to combat this tendency to doubt ourselves after 9pm? First, it’s essential to establish a solid bedtime routine. This can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, try to limit your exposure to screens before bed, as the blue light emitted by devices can interfere with your sleep quality and melatonin production.
Lastly, it’s important to remind ourselves that self-doubt is a natural part of human experience. It’s not a reflection of our worth or capabilities. Instead, it’s a reminder that we’re human and that we all have moments of uncertainty. By acknowledging this and taking steps to address the underlying causes of our doubts, we can learn to trust ourselves again, even after 9pm.
