diff --git a/relay-server/src/services/buffer/mod.rs b/relay-server/src/services/buffer/mod.rs
index 6a3977dde0..52cce9c922 100644
--- a/relay-server/src/services/buffer/mod.rs
+++ b/relay-server/src/services/buffer/mod.rs
@@ -236,6 +236,8 @@ impl EnvelopeBufferService {
                     .expect("Element disappeared despite exclusive excess");
 
                 Self::drop_expired(envelope, services);
+
+                sleep = Duration::ZERO; // try next pop immediately
             }
             Peek::Ready(_) => {
                 relay_log::trace!("EnvelopeBufferService: popping envelope");