Bedtime is the happiest time of the day – science says so 

I am a morning person, and I’ve always been. 

Waking up early, I always have the feeling that I can conquer the world, and there is little that I can’t accomplish before lunch. After about 2 p.m., though? I’m not worth a cuss. Even as a parent, I’m better suited to the early hours of the day. By dark, I’m simply out of love to give. 

Getting up early in the morning often requires earlier bedtimes. Was it Ben Franklin that quipped, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise?” I don’t know about the wise part, but I feel pretty good most days. I’m also waiting for the wealth part. Maybe you make more money if you work efficiently from 2 to 5 p.m.? Maybe a night shift? 

There are few better feelings than calling the day finished and checking out for some well-deserved rest. But apparently going to bed makes some people so giddy they report having a happiness attack. I’ve heard of heart attacks, anxiety attacks and cyber-attacks, but never happiness attacks. The notion is trending across social media, as things are wont to do these days. 

People the world over are reporting feelings of elation and giddiness as they climb into bed each day; #happyattack. It seems that the favorite part of many people’s day, in a world of ever-increasing worry and mental struggles, is being unconscious. There is some science to the phenomenon, as well. Sleep experts say such feelings are normal and quite frequent and can be caused by the sense of completion felt by the end of a busy day or feelings of safety knowing you are about to be snug and comfy in your own bed. 

I’ll assume that the bulk of folks posting or live streaming their pre-bedtime euphoria don’t have children to wake them up in the middle of the night. 

Happy attacks do not correlate with a good night’s sleep, however. Just because wrapping up in the covers brings a deep sense of relief, you very well could spend the night tossing and turning in a state of fitful semi-rest. I’m sure the online influencers have sleep hacks galore available for view across social media if you are interested in that sort of thing.

In my case sleep is interrupted by a kick from the dog or child that still readily crawls in my bed most nights. I’m told I’ll miss that one day, and I’m sure I will, but right now, I’ll take a solid eight hours.

I can’t say I’ve ever experienced a happy attack. I like to think I’m a generally happy person and therefore no singular thing could invoke such a flood of emotions. Though I am looking forward to bedtime. So, if you need me for anything, you better reach out before lunch, otherwise I can’t make you any promises.

See you in the morning.