The usual time when someone goes to bed to sleep. Also used as an adjective to describe activities or stories associated with going to sleep, especially for children.
Compound word formed from 'bed' (Old English 'bedd') and 'time' (Old English 'tima'). The concept reflects the human need to establish regular sleep patterns and routines for health and social organization.
The tradition of bedtime stories dates back thousands of years and serves a crucial developmental purpose beyond entertainment - it helps children develop language skills, emotional regulation, and secure attachment bonds. Research shows that children who have regular bedtime routines fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night.
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