Wireless communications systems and methods related to DL control message monitoring are provided. A first wireless communication device monitors for a downlink control message from a base station during a first monitoring duration. Additionally, the first wireless communication device monitors for a network activity indication signal from the base station during the first monitoring duration. The first wireless communication device detects the network activity indication signal based on the monitoring of the network activity indication signal. The first wireless communication device switches from the first monitoring duration to a second monitoring duration for the monitoring of the downlink control message in response to detecting the network activity indication signal.