How To Become A Morning Person

With the right sleep-wake strategies, some night owls may get used to a routine in which they wake up early really well, to the point that they really don't mind any more. Others will never feel quite that positive, but they can still benefit from a few lifestyle changes that enable them to actually get out of bed when that alarm goes off.

Here are some things natural night owls can try.

Keep It Predictable

A friend of mine has a pond with fancy fish, who get fed at 6 pm. Though they obviously don't wear watches, they always appear at the surface at exactly that time. Guess what happens when the clocks change because of daylight savings time? The fish still appear at what was previously 6 pm, and they need about a week to catch on to the new rhythm. Animals have natural clocks that thrive on routines, and we're no different.

You'll find it easier to go to sleep and get up if you keep it predictable — get up at the same time every day if you are in danger of reverting to your natural sleep pattern. Yes, even during the weekends. This will prevent you from feeling like a zombie on Mondays. 

Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep

If you're like me, you'll feell exhausted at dinner time if you get up early. Then, after the sluggishness has worn off, the inner night owl kicks in and you will be tempted to stay up and do things into the early hours. This tendency creates a chronic lack of sleep that will make it impossible to ever get used to your early wake-up time. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep to function optimally. Make sure you get enough sleep, even if it means you have to turn in much earlier than you really want to.

Let There Be Light

Research has shown that light plays a crucial part in your ability to wake up early. Make sure natural light has the ability to pour into your bedroom in the morning, and keep the room dark at night when you're trying to go to sleep. If you live in a place where it's still light outside when you go to bed, you may want to think about investing in fancy blinds with a timer that close at night and open in the morning when you need to get up. If you live in a place where it's still dark in the morning when you get up (for part of the year), you may like to look into a so-called "light box" with bulbs that simulate natural daylight.

What Else Do You Need To Do?

When the alarm goes off, get up immediately rather than hitting the snooze button, which is a bottomless pit of temptation. Eat breakfast for energy. Do something active, like tidying the house or doing a mini-workout, before you head out. Jog to work if you can. Read the newspaper to get your brain going, or make a list of plans for the day. At night, wind down gradually, gentlty creating the right mood for going to sleep. Keep the lights down and your electronic devices out of your bedroom. 

READ What Can You Do To Improve Sleep Quality?