Why Do We Sabotage Ourselves? Understanding the Late-Night Trap

User Avatar

Selim Uysal

3w ago

Newsletter & Email Course Specialist 📧 | Helping productivity experts grow their audience through newsletters and educational email courses. 🚀

Why Do We Sabotage Ourselves? Understanding the Late-Night Trap
by Selim Uysal

Lately, I’ve been struggling with a self-sabotaging habit; staying up too late and missing sahoor.

I know this is harmful to my fasting, my energy, and my overall health. Yet, I still find myself scrolling, watching, or doing unnecessary things instead of sleeping early.

Fasting has made me more aware of how much sleep impacts my focus, but self-discipline isn’t about food; it’s about making choices that support your well-being.

💡 Why We Do It:
1️⃣ Revenge Bedtime Procrastination – Staying up late because it feels like your only “me time.”
2️⃣ Dopamine Loops – Scrolling, watching videos, or engaging in stimulating activities that override sleep signals.
3️⃣ Short-Term Comfort Over Long-Term Benefits – The brain craves immediate pleasure, even when it comes at a cost.
4️⃣ Lack of Boundaries – No clear nighttime routine leads to unstructured, extended wakefulness.

How to Stop It:
✅ Set a non-negotiable wind-down time (e.g., screen-free after 10 PM).
✅ Make sleep preparation enjoyable—low lighting, reading, and relaxing activities.
✅ Use the 5-Minute Rule—tell yourself, I’ll just get in bed for 5 minutes and see how I feel.
✅ Remind yourself: The way I feel tomorrow depends on what I do tonight.

What’s one habit you know you need to fix but keep delaying?

📩 Want more reflections on fasting, self-discipline, and personal growth?
Join Daily Reflections here → dailyreflections.beehiiv.com

♻️ Repost to help someone break free from self-sabotage.
🔔 Follow for more insights on fasting, discipline, and personal growth.


The all-in-one writing platform.

Write, publish everywhere, see what works, and become a better writer - all in one place.

Trusted by 80,000+ writers