Today: While bedtime procrastination isn’t new, revenge bedtime procrastination has emerged as a way for some to rebel against creeping demands on their free time.

“A new aspect of it is people’s motivation and that is, in part, because there are more things they want to do. Their sleep is not considered a priority,” Philip Richard Gehrman, associate professor of clinical psychology in the psychiatry department at the Perelman School of Medicine the University of Pennsylvania, told TODAY. “The only thing that is different about revenge bedtime procrastination is the idea of people using it as a way of gaining a sense of control over their schedule.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and work and school invade home life, many feel like they have little input in how they spend their time. Revenge bedtime procrastination gives people the feeling that they do still have some power.

“That’s the way to say, ‘OK I’m going to exert some control over my schedule and to be able to spend it the way I want to spend it rather than just being subjected to the external forces around me,’” Gehrman explained.

Often therapists help people with what’s known as sleep hygiene, tips and tricks that lead to better sleep. Sleep hygiene can include: Avoiding caffeine too close to bedtime. Keeping the bedroom for sleep only. Having dim light on in the evening. Keeping the bedroom dark and cool. Having a bedtime routine. Wearing comfortable clothes. Going to bed and waking at the same time.

Get the full story at today.com.