Tim Cook wakes up before 4.00am each morning, you’ll never see Richard Branson in bed after 5.45am and the latest Oprah Winfrey gets up is 6.20am. What do all these people have in common? Well, they are all extremely successful in what they do. If you want to follow in their footsteps and achieve something extraordinary in life here are a few more convincing reasons to start waking up earlier.
You’ll be more successful
Well, we’ve sort of mentioned that already. But there is also a scientific basis for this fact. Biologist Christoph Randler studied the habits of 367 university students and found that those of them who preferred waking up way before classes started usually got better grades and, as a result, had better job opportunities after graduation. He is convinced that morning people are more proactive and perform better at work (here are some more tricks to boost your productivity at work).
You’re giving your body an opportunity to REALLY wake up
Have you ever heard of ‘sleep inertia’? This is the time when you’re already on your feet but your brain hasn’t woken up properly. Studies show that this state of mind can last anywhere from two to four hours. So, if you’re used to waking up half an hour before the workday begins and rushing straight to the office, maybe it’s time to reconsider your schedule. Allowing yourself an extra hour to fully awaken in the morning might feel like torture at first, but once your body adjusts to this new rhythm, you’ll feel way more energised and will notice an increase in mental clarity.
Early risers get depressed less frequently
Recent research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research shows that women who prefer waking up earlier suffer less often from depression. Other mental conditions, like anxiety, are also seen less frequently in early risers – here are a few other reasons for an increase in anxiety.
You’ll simply sleep better
There is an obvious pattern that those who wake up earlier tend to automatically set themselves up for a better night’s sleep, whereas night owls tend to have sleep disorders more often and sleep less overall. It’s just human physiology – if you woke up earlier today, you’ll be ready to go to bed earlier and will therefore have enough time for a quality eight-hour sleep. We’ve also shared other tips to help you sleep well before.