We Don’t Talk About Women’s Time
Hey, you, reading this in the middle of the night. I see you—scrolling through social media or texting friends who should also be asleep. I see you trying to reclaim some order and control over your day, which has largely been overtaken by responsibilities for others—children, spouse, a home, a job—leaving very little time for yourself.
As a CEO, founder, and mom, I feel this deeply. My habit of staying up late is my own version of self-care, and recently I discovered there’s a name for it: revenge bedtime procrastination. This describes why so many overworked women and caregivers stay up late because they crave some control of their day. Instead of resting, connecting, or being productive, we choose to scroll, snack, read, or watch TV.
We stay up late because we want to reclaim time that feels stolen by endless caregiving and multitasking. But then morning comes—we’re exhausted, short-tempered, and drained. The cycle repeats.
This cycle is not just about sleep. It highlights why women’s time is undervalued, why moms and caregivers often feel trapped, and why we must rethink the way society views women’s unpaid labor, parenting, and work-life balance.
A woman’s time is finite, just like everyone’s, but studies show women spend 40% more time caregiving than men. We multitask, code-switch between work and kids, and lose the deep focus required for creative or professional growth. On top of that, gender pay gaps, childcare challenges, and return-to-office demands only add to the strain.
Reframing the conversation about motherhood, women’s time management, and family responsibilities is essential. Recognizing and valuing women’s contributions—both paid and unpaid—creates a foundation for healthier families and more balanced communities.
There may not be an instant solution, but awareness is the first step. Go easy on that tired mama—she’s doing more than you realize.
