9 Ways to Wake Up Earlier

By Excelle via DivineCaroline

Some of us are night owls. Others, early birds. Apparently, based on your chronotype, you will be more naturally alert earlier or later in the day. And your type may dictate when and for how long you sleep. But while a natural variance in sleep patterns is natural, it appears that the early bird is indeed the more coveted of the species.

We’ve heard it time and time again: most CEOs wake up before 6 a.m. It’s often said that the most successful people are early risers and it makes sense. Chances are if you get up early you spend less time sleeping, which frees up more time for other, more productive activities.

In addition, the early morning is often the time of day you have most control over. Unlike later in the day, very little happens between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. that can throw a wrench in your plans. But how does one go from night owl to early bird? And can you?

The truth is, no matter what your natural rhythm, many people have been able to train themselves to become early risers and/or need less sleep. We’ll show you how.

1. Go to bed when you’re tired, and wake up at the same time every day.
You might be thinking, “duh.” And you’d be right. But as obvious as it sounds, it can be harder than you think. Just last night, I was ready for bed (which, for me means dozing off on the couch) around 10 p.m. But being the sucker for bad television that I am, I got sucked into watching a new show. By the time it was over, I was no longer sleepy. I ended up staying up until well after midnight. And for what? Mindless television I’ll have forgotten about by the end of the week? Great. I would have much rather had two or three more hours of sleep.

And what if you’re not tired until 1 a.m.? That’s okay too. Just make sure you still set your alarm for the new, earlier time. The next day you’ll likely be tired earlier than usual, and a new, steadier sleep pattern will begin to take shape. What you don’t want to do is try to force yourself to sleep when you’re not tired. You’ll just end up feeling frustrated. You’ll waste valuable time in bed not sleeping. And you might develop an anxiety around not being able to sleep, which can lead to insomnia. So wait till you’re tired, wake up at the same time every day, and eventually, your new cycle will fall into place.

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Read more: Bed & Bath, General Health, Health, Mental Wellness, sleep

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Angie V.

10:11AM PDT on Jul 8, 2012

Thank You.

July 8
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KS G.

4:31AM PST on Nov 13, 2011

Thanks for the article.

November 13
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Sheila A.

7:35PM PDT on Jul 27, 2011

What a great article. Though, working a rotating shift makes it really hard to implement some of these.

July 27
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Teresa W.

12:48AM PDT on Jul 27, 2011

Sleep is a waste of time.

Emma L.

7:56AM PDT on Jul 26, 2011

During the summer when I don't have school, I am usually in bed around 1 and don't get up until 9, but i'm still getting my full 8 hours! :)

July 26
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heather g.

11:34PM PDT on Jul 25, 2011

I'm pleased to see there are many of us who are night-owls.
I have been going to bed even later because the evenings are the only time I have the benefit of less outside noise. I find noise very stressful....

I live in the Wild West where the culture is to make as much noise as possible, whether you are talking or whether you are driving a huge diesel truck or an old car with no muffler. In addition, our municipality has a bad relationship with the railways - so are unable to prevent us from being blasted from here to kingdom come throughout the day and night, echoing off the high mountains. I believe locals are deaf.... including those serving on Council.

July 25
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Edith B.

10:25PM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

I have never been an early bird, don't think I ever will be, but some of these tip s are useful. However, research has shown that adults need at least seven hours sleep per night to be heart healthy. Training yourself to only sleep six is not a good idea.

July 24
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Asiatic L.

7:56AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

let the light in....all visions of sleep will run away...

Sam T.

5:52AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

I like the water idea. Thank you.

Little D.

12:55AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

Thanks for the article. I will give it a try as getting up early is hell for me. I am especially guilty of the snoozing part. I manage to do that for up to two hours.