Why do we resist going to bed?

21 Oct 2026 · 1 min
0:40

In this brief talk, Arthur C. Brooks argues that the primary reason many people fail to get sufficient sleep is not external factors but a self‑imposed psychological barrier. He claims that individuals often rebel against the act of allowing themselves to go to bed, treating sleep as a willful challenge rather than a natural need. Brooks cites psychological literature suggesting that overcoming this resistance—essentially giving oneself permission to sleep—can markedly boost personal happiness. He reinforces the point with personal experience and observations of others, emphasizing that solving the “bed‑time rebellion” problem is a practical lever for improving well‑being.

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