When sleep problems creep into your life it can be difficult to identify the entangled issues and set things right.
Consistency with wake up times is very important. When the weekends roll around or a day off, it is very important to stick to a sleep schedule and make sure your body stays on track, even if it means waking up early on a Saturday. When picking a wake up time consider your own body and your own needs, make sure it is a time you can maintain and be consistent with.
A key part of waking at the same time each day may also be getting exposure to 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight upon awakening. This light exposure reinforces the body’s circadian rhythm and enhances wakefulness in the morning and allows you to sleep better at night.
Waking up at the same time everyday will help you sleep more efficiently every night and will make it easier to fall asleep at night. Even sleeping in for 2 extra hours can throw off your bodies whole schedule.
There are many benefits to a fixed wake up time, including:
- Improved alertness
- Improved sleep
- Insomnia and sleep deprivation decreased
- Better immune system function
- Less irritability
It is just as important to wake up at the same time everyday as it is to get 8 hours of sleep every night. Find a good time for you and start your new sleep schedule!
