This hidden bedtime habit is common among gifted minds — and many people do it too
For people identified as having high intellectual potential (HPI), bedtime can turn from a quiet moment into a period of mental wakefulness. Many HPI individuals go through a specific bedtime routine marked by ongoing mental activity that often delays sleep. This piece looks at what happens after the lights go out and what it tells us about the inner life of HPI people.
When the mind buzzes at night
As darkness falls, a paradox shows up for many with high intellectual potential. Instead of drifting off, their minds stay switched on. A refusal to “lower the curtain” on the day can mean long stretches of wakefulness. Whether it’s mental agitation, replaying and rewriting the day’s events, or perfectionist worries over every detail, the night becomes a place for the mind to keep working. This active state reflects fast information processing and intense mental energy — traits often linked to HPI.
A lot of people turn to reading as part of their bedtime routine, finding refuge in a book. For some, it calms the “inner storm”; for others, it fuels further stimulation. Imagination might channel the flood of thoughts, but a gripping story can keep the pages turning and push sleep further back into the night.
How sleep patterns look in people with HPI
Researchers are interested in the sleep physiology of HPI people. Studies indicate they tend to have more sleep cycles that are shorter in length, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep arrives earlier than in the general population. That often makes sleep fragmented and filled with vivid dreams — which can make nights richer but also less standard.
Psychologists pay close attention to the subjective experience here. High intellectual potential often comes with mental hyperactivity and “overflowing mental energy”, which can be hard to channel. That may produce vivid, tiring dreams and ongoing sleep disorders — a recurring feature for many that frequently calls for specialist input.
Reading before bed: calming or stimulating?
Reading is a standout bedtime ritual for many HPI individuals. Books offer a sanctuary: words soothe and stories distract from relentless thoughts. Yet that same habit can be a double-edged sword — calming on the one hand, stimulating on the other — and so a bedtime reading routine can delay sleep and build up tiredness.
The love of reading often starts in childhood and carries on into adulthood. Many HPI people drop naps early and devour books while their peers manage only a few. The habit of reading at night is a continuation of that early passion, a steady thread through their lives.
Consequences and suggested interventions
One obvious consequence of these nocturnal habits is chronic sleep deprivation. Pushing bedtime later makes mornings harder and fatigue piles up. Sleep disturbances are not just personal troubles; they can also be clinical markers pointing specialists toward possible interventions.
For relief, several non‑drug approaches are recommended.
- Slow breathing exercises,
- gentle pre‑sleep rituals,
- and learning to let go of mental burdens
are suggested to help manage energetic nights. In the toughest cases, medical treatment may be considered as a last resort to tame the “wild beast” of the mind while trying to preserve the benefits of nighttime reading.
The liveliness of the HPI mind can be demanding, but it’s also a source of creativity and curiosity. Tackling the complexities of sleep with empathy and understanding helps HPI people navigate the edges of their mental days and nights more effectively. This look at their nocturnal world sheds light on the finer points of their intellectual lives and invites reflection on the balance between rest and mental pursuit.