Bedtime refers to the time at which a person goes to bed with the intention of sleeping. It is a fundamental component of sleep hygiene and plays a central role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm — the internal biological clock that governs sleep-wake cycles over a 24-hour period. Maintaining a consistent bedtime is one of the most important habits for good sleep health. Going to bed at the same time each night — including weekends — helps to anchor the body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to feel sleepy at the right time, fall asleep quickly, and wake up feeling refreshed. Irregular bedtimes, by contrast, can lead to social jet lag, a form of circadian disruption associated with poorer sleep quality and adverse health outcomes. The ideal bedtime varies from person to person depending on individual chronotype (natural preference for morning or evening wakefulness), lifestyle demands, and the time at which waking is required. Most sleep experts recommend working backward from the required wake time, allowing for 7 to 9 hours of sleep, to determine the appropriate bedtime. A structured bedtime routine in the 30 to 60 minutes before the target bedtime helps prepare the mind and body for sleep. This might include dimming lights, avoiding screens, taking a warm bath, reading, or practicing relaxation techniques. These habits signal to the brain that sleep is approaching, facilitating a smooth transition from wakefulness to sleep. For children, a consistent and predictable bedtime is particularly important for establishing healthy sleep patterns, supporting growth, cognitive development, and emotional regulation.