For years, the habit of making your bed every morning has been seen as a hallmark of discipline, responsibility, and even success. From self-help gurus to military metaphors like “winning your morning,” making your bed has been touted as a simple yet powerful habit that sets the tone for a productive day. But what if not making your bed and having an untidy bedroom—actually reveals something different about your brain and personality?
Biology Plays a Role in Morning Routines
One surprising factor behind whether someone makes their bed is their biological sleep-wake rhythm, also known as a circadian rhythm. Some people are naturally “morning larks,” who wake up early and feel energized at the start of the day, while others are “night owls,” whose brains take longer to wake up and reach peak alertness later in the day. For night owls, rushing to complete morning chores like bed-making may feel unnecessary or draining, as their brain is still slowly coming online. Research shows that people who don’t make their bed often have different energy patterns and priorities in the morning. Instead of investing time and mental effort into tidying immediately after waking, they might conserve their cognitive energy for tasks later in the day when they feel more alert and focused.
Personality Traits and Bedroom Tidiness
Personality psychology also provides clues to why some people keep a tidy bedroom while others don’t. Studies have linked the habit of making your bed to higher levels of conscientiousness—a personality trait associated with organization, attention to detail, and self-discipline. People high in conscientiousness tend to value routines and structure, which helps them maintain orderly environments. Conversely, those who don’t prioritize making their bed might score higher on openness to experience, a trait tied to creativity, flexibility, and non-conformity. For these individuals, a bit of chaos or disorder in their physical space might even stimulate their imagination and problem-solving abilities. A moderately messy environment, according to some psychological studies, can foster creative thinking by encouraging unconventional ideas.
Mental Load and the Impact of Clutter
An untidy bedroom might also reflect your current mental load and stress levels. Clutter acts as a constant low-level distraction, reminding your brain of unfinished tasks and competing for cognitive resources. This can increase stress hormones like cortisol and make it harder to concentrate. For some people, not making their bed can be a visible sign of feeling overwhelmed or mentally exhausted. That said, the relationship between clutter and mental health is complex. While excessive mess can contribute to stress, a small amount of disorder isn’t necessarily harmful and can sometimes be comforting or freeing, depending on the individual’s preferences and lifestyle.
Cultural Expectations vs. Individual Differences
Much of the stigma around messy bedrooms stems from cultural and societal expectations rather than scientific evidence. The idea that a neatly made bed equals a disciplined person is a social norm reinforced by family traditions, media, and military culture. However, this expectation doesn’t always match individual brain chemistry or daily realities. The Bored Kitty article highlights how habits like bed-making might not be the best measure of personal responsibility or success. Instead, they argue for understanding the nuances of chronotypes (morning vs. evening people), personality types, and mental health when judging habits like tidiness.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Messy Bedroom
Your untidy bedroom doesn’t define your character or worth. It’s a small window into your biological rhythms, personality traits, mental state, and personal priorities. While making your bed might be beneficial for some in creating routine and reducing stress, others may thrive with a bit more flexibility in their morning habits. Understanding these differences helps break down stereotypes and encourages more compassionate perspectives on how we organize our living spaces. So, next time you see an unmade bed, remember: it might just mean that person’s brain works a little differently—and that’s perfectly okay.
