# Do you experience the ‘too tired to go to bed’ situation, and how do you deal with it? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 12, 2026, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020 "2026-09-12T18:50:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/41 "2026-09-14T07:39:18Z")
I’m not sure if it goes bad. I’ve got a pretty good stockpile. Don’t use it too often. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/42 "2026-09-14T13:09:09Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Oh and it doesn’t help that I splatter toothpaste everywhere. I have tried in vain to resolve this. Have you tried using different techniques? Because i haven’t splattered toothpaste in the mirror since i was young. And I’ve had dozens of dentists tell me, “you brush really well, but you need to floss”. (That was before i discovered floss picks.) Before i found floss picks, i used a water pick, and i liked how it felt, but it _did_ splatter some, and it developed a leak. And even though it doesn’t actually matter that i was dribbling water on the bathroom counter, that was a disincentive to using it. > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I don’t know if it’s a sensory thing or what, or intense sensory experience combined with mind-numbing boredom. But I hate brushing my teeth. I hate all of my physical therapy and regular exercises, mostly because they are mind numbingly boring. I’m not sure why i decided that both brushing my teeth and brushing my hair are enjoyable. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/43 "2026-09-14T14:02:17Z")
> [@Mops](#): > > Do any of you experience a like situation, and how do you deal with it? I have a routine I have to go through so that, when I wake up, I have a minimal number of things to do before I can walk out the door. The way I avoid your situation is to run my routine early on a work night like at, say, 8 pm. So, I’m in my nightshirt and on the couch completely done by 8:30. After that, I watch TV till I’m tired and ready and then simply turn it off an go directly to bed. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/44 "2026-09-14T14:13:53Z")
Yes I am constantly too tired to go to sleep. And my bedtime routine is quite involved. I dread having to do it. But I also can’t skip any of it. I’m also a night shower-er so on days when I have to take a shower before bed, it’s worse. I do manage to do it every night. But some nights I go to bed way later than I should have just because I put off going to bed for no good reason other than I had to spend time hyping myself up to get there. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/45 "2026-09-14T14:32:22Z")
If there is a solution, it’s almost certainly something like the previously mentioned “get your bedtime routine done before” > [@Mops](#): > > - Nothing remains to be done on the day (or I have already deferred what I could do due to fatigue) So that when > [@Mops](#): > > - I sit in the living room or our work room and read something. your bedtime routine is virtually complete, and the only significant task remaining is to enter the bed. You’re also not getting ready for “bed” you’re getting ready for lounging after a full day of activity. If it’s a matter of inertia, you might have to make the bed a place you hang out much earlier in the evening, which could be worse than the inertia. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/46 "2026-09-14T14:41:28Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Then I stumbled on the Rolls Royce/Holy Grail of manual toothbrushes: I am going to give this toothbrush a shot. I might still use the electric one sometimes but it would be nice to not hate brushing my teeth. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > Have you tried using different techniques? I’ve tried everything I can think of. Also, it’s not splatter on the mirror, it’s on my shirt. You can add this to my list of annoying mysteries alongside how I can’t wash anything without getting water on the floor. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/47 "2026-09-14T14:45:01Z")
I didn’t read all of the posts, so maybe it was already mentioned. When bedtime rolls around for me, I’ve already done everything other than let the dogs out and go to the bathroom. We eat supper around 5. By 6, I’m brushing (electric toothbrush) and flossing (picks), then I hit the shower. Afterwards, I put on my lounge clothes and head for the couch. Brushing and flossing after supper keeps me from snacking all night. So that’s a bonus! ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/48 "2026-09-14T15:23:52Z")
For all of you who brush their teeth a few hours before going to bed: don’t you sometimes eat something or drink something sugary between brushing and going to bed? Because I try to avoid that, for obvious reasons. That’s why I brush just before I lie down. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/49 "2026-09-14T15:43:03Z")
I often go out in the evening. I can’t get ready to lounge around at 8 because if i don’t have evening plans, I’m still finishing my supper. And if i do, I’m out dancing or playing bridge or playing board games, and i won’t be home until ~11. (I also wake up later than many of you, i suspect. I usually wake up well before my alarm goes off, but my alarm is set for 8:30.) ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/50 "2026-09-14T15:43:15Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > don’t you sometimes eat something or drink something sugary between brushing and going to bed? For me, brushing my teeth signals the end of my consumption of anything for the rest of the day other than plain water. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/51 "2026-09-14T15:45:31Z")
I have a friend who brushes her teeth right after supper so she _won’t_ snack later. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/52 "2026-09-14T16:34:35Z")
I almost always have more to do in the day than can possibly fit; and while I don’t always, I do sometimes get some of it done in the evening. In the summer I sometimes don’t come in from the field till 9:30 or later; in the winter I might rouse enough energy to do some necessary paperwork or email. So getting ready for bed hours ahead of time isn’t going to happen. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/53 "2026-09-14T16:45:35Z")
You people are real go-getters. By 9pm, I’m ready for bed! ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/54 "2026-09-14T16:52:02Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > > [@Biffster](#): > > > > Zopiclone. Half-dose. > > That’s a fantastic amnesiac for sleep. Fortunately, I almost never it need so my supply is probably expired. Sorry, I used the wrong word. “Hypnotic” is the correct medical term. A drug like midozolam (brand name “Versed”) is an amnesiac. Ambien and zopilcone are technically hypnotics. Not the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/55 "2026-09-14T17:25:09Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > You people are real go-getters Some days I sleep late. And these days I have to take breaks during the day. (She types, while taking one.) ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/56 "2026-09-14T17:43:06Z")
I use Ativan (benzo) very occasionally when I’m too disturbed to sleep, but my sleep apnea doctor says it makes fatigue worse and recommends against it. I don’t recall it ever causing me fatigue though. It works within about ten minutes and it’s out of my system soon after I sleep. It just gets me over that falling asleep hump and then I don’t need it. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/57 "2026-09-14T18:09:07Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I’ve tried everything I can think of. Also, it’s not splatter on the mirror, it’s on my shirt. Do you brush with your mouth open? Are you not leaning over the sink? Do you not spit if your mouth gets too full? I am at a loss to understand how toothpaste is always getting onto your shirt beyond an occasional drip once in a while. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/58 "2026-09-14T18:23:39Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Also, it’s not splatter on the mirror, it’s on my shirt. My MIL is one of the most fastidious people I’ve ever met. Imagine my surprise one time when I caught a glimpse of her while she was brushing her teeth. I thought she was rabid, such was the sheer volume of foam pouring out of her mouth. Juxtaposed against her personality, it kinda turned my stomach. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/59 "2026-09-14T19:37:04Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > don’t you sometimes eat something or drink something sugary between brushing and going to bed? No. I don’t eat or drink anything (except water) after 7:15 pm. I have a daily alarm on my FitBit to remind me. * * * > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > By 9pm, I’m ready for bed! Me, too. I’m in my chair doing Wordle, the Mini Crossword, and maybe Tiles. Then reading a little. I usually get up at 5:30 or 6:00. When I was working, I **HATED** getting up early. As a retiree, whoopee! ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020/60 "2026-09-14T19:58:09Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > > > I’ve tried everything I can think of. Also, it’s not splatter on the mirror, it’s on my shirt. > > Do you brush with your mouth open? Are you not leaning over the sink? Do you not spit if your mouth gets too full? I am at a loss to understand how toothpaste is always getting onto your shirt beyond an occasional drip once in a while. And how much toothpaste do you use? I use about the volume of an unpopped grain of popcorn if i have a newish tube, and less as the tube runs out, and honestly, I’ve never felt like i needed more toothpaste. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-experience-the-too-tired-to-go-to-bed-situation-and-how-do-you-deal-with-it/1033020.md?page=4)