How to Wake Up Earlier
Even if you’re superefficient in your work, there aren’t enough hours in the day. One alternative: Getting up earlier. Not a chance, you say? Actually, one of the things that might make it feasible to get up earlier is to get a better night’s sleep.
For example, caffeine, soda, and alcohol intake before bedtime can keep you awake longer and interrupt your sleeping pattern once you fall asleep, so discontinue them a few hours before bedtime. Avoid bright lights before bedtime; instead use low-wattage bulbs. Keep noise down or mask noise with a fan, white noise, or a sound machine.
Try not to eat right before bedtime because even though you are trying to fall asleep, your body stays awake digesting the food. This suggestion may not help you wake up earlier, but it can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy better sleep while you’re asleep.
You should also limit your use of technology before bedtime. This applies to the TV, computer, and all other digital devices, which can stimulate your mind rather than letting it relax. I mention this tip even knowing there’s little chance you’ll follow it. (I know I won’t!)
In general, try to get into a routine at night that winds you down rather than up, and start this routine about half an hour before you go to bed.
So much for the going-to-sleep part. What about the getting-up-earlier part? Suggestions include having a loud alarm clock, setting the alarm a few minutes early, and putting the alarm clock out of reach, so you have to get out of bed to turn off the alarm.
Whatever you do, don’t press the snooze alarm! If you press it once, you’re going to do it again and again! (You know this is true.) In any case, hitting your alarm’s snooze button doesn’t give you any additional restful sleep.
Needless to say, it’s easier to get yourself up if you’re excited about the day and looking forward to it. Hopefully, your work makes that possible. And it’s helpful to have a morning routine, whether it entails exercise, reading, or that first cup of coffee.
Of course, none of this advice applies if you have kids who demand your attention bright and much too early. Ditto, pets. But if not, and the above tips don’t help, try this nasty app that rings (sort of) like an alarm clock, has no snooze button, and won’t turn off till you shake it mercilessly. Understand I’m not recommending it, just trying to keep you informed.
