Sure, the saying “the early bird gets the worm” can sound cliché, but there are real benefits to going to bed and waking up early.
Starting your day late can make you feel rushed and stressed, leading to a bad start. But if you wake up early and establish good sleep habits, you’ll have more energy to tackle your tasks. Whether it’s errands or work, getting an early start can set a positive tone for your day.
Waking up early is also good for your mental health. When you learn to wake up early, you often feel more organized, productive, and ready to face the day. Plus, catching the early morning sun can boost your mood and provide you with essential vitamin D.
Once your body gets used to a consistent sleep schedule, waking up early will become a habit. You’ll find it easier to rise and shine without hitting the snooze button.
Building a sustainable morning routine is important for the long run. While it can be tough to wake up early every day at first, sticking to this habit will eventually become easier. Once it’s a routine, you’ll have a smoother start to your day, every day.
Morning Person vs. Night Owl
Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl can be influenced by various factors. Some jobs, like being a baker, require early mornings, while night shifts, like those for nurses, mean sleeping during the day. Your hobbies and social life can also shape your preference for mornings or nights.
Here’s a quick look at the traits of morning people and night owls:
Morning Person
– Goes to bed early and wakes up early
- – Prefers mornings
- – Struggles to stay up late
- – Energy levels drop as the day goes on
Night Owl
- – Loves staying up late
- – Usually sleeps in during the morning
- – Most active and productive in the evening
- – Finds it hard to stay alert during the day
Melatonin and Circadian Rhythms
Now, let’s delve into the science behind our sleep patterns.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Your body naturally produces it, and its levels rise in the evening when it gets dark. That’s why you might feel sleepy watching a movie in a dark room, even during the day.
Melatonin helps keep your circadian rhythm in sync. This internal clock guides when you wake up, eat, and sleep. You’ll really feel it when your rhythm gets thrown off, like with jet lag after traveling across time zones.
If you need a sleep boost, melatonin supplements can help. They can help adjust your energy levels or help you adapt to a new time zone. You can buy melatonin supplements at many stores or pharmacies.
When it comes to dosage, start with a low dose, like 1–3 milligrams, about two hours before bed. If you’re new to melatonin, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for advice on the right dose and frequency.
If melatonin doesn’t seem to improve your sleep or morning routine, it might be best to stop taking it. This could indicate underlying health issues that need attention.
How to Start Waking Up Early
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