What do you do before you go to bed? Whether you like to unwind with a glass of wine and your favorite show on Netflix or a mug of coffee and your laptop, your bedtime habits could reveal a lot about who you are as a person. In a survey of more than 1,000 people, Mattress Advisor set out to see how our personality types affect our bedtime habits. Here’s some of what they uncovered.
istj: The logician
Have a Cocktail: This cerebral, grounded personality type looks at life — and probably bedtime — through the most logical lens possible. For the ISTJ, it’s all about getting from point A (awake) to point B (sleepy). So to wind down before bed, this personality will probably cut right to the chase with a classic cocktail. Might we suggest something equal parts delicious and classic, like a Sazerac?
ISFJ: THe Defender
Binge Netflix: Just because this personality is practical and down to earth doesn’t mean they’re not nostalgic and sensitive — that’s why Netflix (or Hulu!) is the perfect way for the ISFJ to zone out after a long day. Don’t be surprised if your ISFJ pal is curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a box of tissues, and the latest episode of This Is Us.
INFJ: The Advocate
Read: Since the creative, deep, and emotional INFJ craves depth in every aspect of their lives, it should come as no surprise that this personality type wants to make bedtime meaningful too. Find them curled up with a stimulating, emotionally engaging read before sleeping, like Rising Strong by Brené Brown or some poetry by Rupi Kaur.
INTJ: THe Architect
Surf the Internet: INTJs are all about gaining knowledge, especially if that knowledge helps them make life more efficient. Because this personality type finds learning equally stimulating and relaxing, you’ll likely find them surfing the web before bed, digging into Reddit threads about random topics, or researching the latest version of the iPhone.
ISTP: The Virtuoso
Prep for the Next Day: Natural problem solvers with a thing for tinkering, ISTPs adore taking things apart just to put them back together. When bedtime’s approaching, you might find this personality tying up loose ends to prepare for the next day or working on projects that need finishing.
ISFP: The Adventurer
Meditate: For the ISFP, life is all about exploring and experiencing the beauty of the world around them. When you’re thinking about how gorgeous life is, it can be hard to sleep! Whether they’re engaging in some deep-breathing mindfulness exercises before bedtime or reaching for a sleep aid, this personality is likely to need some extra help winding down at night.
INFP: The mediator
Listen to Music: Sensitive and poetic to the core, the INFP isn’t afraid to engage their emotions and be creative, even at the end of the day. Turning on some nostalgic music with inspiring lyrics or tuning into a soulful podcast like On Being would be right up an INFP’s alley when bedtime rolls around.
INTP: The logician
Listen to a Podcast: Podcasts are the INTP’s friend too. Although the “N” in this personality means they’re drawn to the theoretical, they’re also thinkers, so they are soothed by the facts. An NPR podcast focused on business, science, or tech would be the perfect way for this highly analytical personality to unwind and learn something new at the same time.
ESTP: The Entrepreneur
Indulge: The ESTP has a thing (or should we say lust?) for the finer things in life, but they also want everything they do to be purposeful. To achieve optimal relaxation before bed, this personality is likely to engage in activities that release feel-good hormones. We’ll leave the rest to your imagination.
ESFP: THe entertainer
Take a Bath: Her friends might call her extra, but she’s just having a good time. After a long day spent adventuring about the town and socializing with pals, the ESFP will probably want to engage their senses by unwinding in a bath. There might be bath bombs and face masks, and there will probably be Snapchat.
ENFP: THe campaigner
Delay Bedtime: Why is this personality type the least likely to actually get ready for bed? Probably because the vibrant and playful ENFP is far too busy gallivanting with friends or taking deep dives into emotional territory over coffee. Who needs a bedtime routine when you have your own enthusiasm about life to tire you out?
ENTP: The Debater
Have a Multi-Step Skincare Routine: The ENTP is obsessed with inventive, world-changing ideas, and that means they’re probably innovative with their bedtime routines too. Both on-trend and whip-smart, these folks are probably the most likely personality type to have an elaborate (and scientifically sound) skincare routine.
ESTJ: THe executive
Work: For the ESTJ, “sleep” is something that helps them accumulate energy for work the next day. The ever-ambitious ESTJ wants to get ahead, and bedtime is no exception. In fact, they probably can’t rest if they haven’t checked everything off the list. If they have a few extra hours before bed, this personality will — you guessed it — work.
ESFJ: THe consul
Drink Coffee: ESFJs are known for being down to earth and easygoing — so easygoing, in fact, that they’re actually the most likely personality to consume coffee before bedtime. Whether there’s something relaxing about a hot beverage or the always-harmonious ESFJ somehow defies the laws of caffeine, you can find them mug in hand as they chat up their loved ones before bed.
ENFJ: THe protagonist
Follow a Routine: Unlike their ENFP cousin, the ENFJ is the most likely to follow a bedtime routine (and they probably own adorable pajama sets). That’s probably because they’re natural leaders with a strong sense of all-encompassing responsibility that extends from caring for loved ones and taking on projects at work all the way to getting ready for bed.
ENTJ: THe commander
Watch the News: The highly ambitious ENTJ may come off as a little bit intense, but that’s a good thing. They know what they want and they get it done, and they appreciate anything in life that helps them get there. This personality is the most likely to watch TV before bed, and because of their love for the practical, they’re probably tuned in to the news.
What’s your go-to bedtime routine? Tell us @BritandCo!
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