How to Wake Up Early: 8 Expert-Tested Tips

Waking up early might come naturally to some, but for others, it takes time to establish a routine. A solid nighttime routine is key to setting yourself up for success in the morning. Here are six tips you can try to start waking up early:

1. Limit screen time before bed

We’re all guilty of spending too much time on our phones or computers before bedtime. However, this can disrupt our sleep patterns due to exposure to blue light.

Try to limit screen time a few hours before bed to help your brain wind down and promote better sleep.

2. Watch what you eat before bed

Eating heavy or spicy foods late at night can lead to indigestion or heartburn, making it harder to fall asleep.

Avoid snacking too close to bedtime, and be mindful of how much you drink to prevent disruptions from late-night bathroom trips.

3. Stick to a consistent routine

Keeping a regular bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Your body will start to recognize when it’s time to wind down for sleep if you maintain a consistent routine.

4. Consider sleep aids or tools

If you struggle with a diagnosed sleep disorder, talk to your healthcare provider about options like breathing devices for sleep apnea or prescribed medications to help you sleep better through the night. These tools can assist your body in relaxing and promote better sleep.

5. Get Regular Exercise

If you’ve been inactive, it can be harder to fall asleep because your body hasn’t used up enough energy.

Exercise helps combat this by reducing excessive sleepiness and relieving anxiety that can keep you up at night. Even a simple morning walk or short bike ride can help.

6. Stick to a Consistent Schedule

Consistency is key for good sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

When you know you’re getting consistent sleep, it becomes easier to wake up feeling refreshed. Over time, your sleep quality will improve as your body gets used to this routine.

7. Establish a Relaxing Evening Routine

A calm mind and body make it easier to fall asleep. Create an evening routine that includes relaxing activities to help you wind down.

This could be reading a book, doing some gentle stretching, or practicing meditation. Find what works best for you to promote relaxation and better sleep.

8. Aim for Enough Sleep

Getting sufficient sleep is crucial for feeling energized in the morning. Most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Take a look at your current sleep habits and see how they compare to this recommendation.

If you’re falling short, try adding an extra hour or two of sleep to see if it makes a difference in how you feel when you wake up.

8 Tips to Help You Wake Up Early

If you’re finding it hard to wake up early despite your efforts, don’t worry. Going from waking up at 8 AM to 5 AM overnight isn’t realistic. Here are some additional tips to help you transition to waking up earlier:

• – Set a realistic wake-up time that works for you
• – Place your alarm clock across the room to force you out of bed
• – Open the blinds to let natural light in
• – Plan something enjoyable for the morning, like a tasty breakfast or a walk to your favorite coffee shop
• – Spend time outdoors during the day to help regulate your internal clock
• – Listen to upbeat music as soon as you wake up
• – Take a cold shower to help wake you up
• – Allow yourself to sleep in a bit on weekends

When Should I See a Doctor?

If you’ve tried various strategies to improve your sleep and wake up early but still struggle, it might be time to consult your doctor.

If sleep issues are causing you stress or affecting your daily life, it’s okay to seek professional help. Your doctor can help rule out any underlying health issues that might be impacting your sleep and energy levels.

If you do visit your doctor, keep a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns, how you feel upon waking up, and any other observations. This information can help your doctor better understand your situation.

Your Next Steps

Adjusting to a new routine takes time and self-reflection. Take a moment to evaluate what’s working for you and what isn’t. What are your goals with this new routine?

Learning to wake up early can benefit you in many ways, helping you feel more empowered and at peace with your alarm clock. Embrace the process and remember that small changes can lead to big improvements over time.