sengetid

Sengetid is a Danish and Norwegian noun meaning "bedtime." It denotes the scheduled time in the evening when one should go to bed and the routine that accompanies it.

Etymology: The word combines sen (‘late’) and tid (‘time’), reflecting the idea of a late or designated time for sleep. It appears in both Danish and Norwegian, with similar usage.

Usage and practice: In families, sengetid for children is typically fixed to earlier hours and includes routines such as teeth brushing, stories, and quiet activities to wind down. Consistency is associated with better sleep quality and daytime functioning. For adults, bedtimes vary with work, social obligations, and personal preferences; maintaining a regular sleep schedule is still recommended by many health guidelines.

Cultural context and modern factors: Cultural norms around sengetid differ by country and era. Societal changes, screen use, and artificial lighting have influenced bedtimes, often delaying them. In some Nordic contexts, there is emphasis on predictable routines and daytime structure to support sleep.

Related concepts include bedtime, sleep hygiene, and circadian rhythm.