If you’re like the vast majority of Americans, the sound of your morning alarm mostly serves as a cue to roll over and hide your head under the covers. Getting out of bed can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be torture.
“If you’re sleep deprived, it takes a lot longer to feel refreshed and alert when you wake up,” says Cynthia Fellman-Couture, RN, a sleep research coordinator at Henry Ford Health. “During sleep there’s less blood flow to the brain. As you wake, consciousness returns immediately, but alertness lags behind.” The more sleep deprived you are, the longer the lag time.
Making The Most Of Your Mornings
Want to wake up refreshed? Making just a few tweaks to your a.m. routine can help you feel more energized and alert when the alarm bell sounds. Here are five strategies guaranteed to put a spring in your step:
- Work with your sleep cycle. Your body’s natural circadian rhythm is designed to wake up with light and sleep in darkness. Do the best you can to mimic that lighting no matter when you rise and turn in. Step into the sunlight within a few minutes of waking to cue your body that it’s time to wake up. Work nights? Keep your room dark during the day so you can sleep and immerse yourself in light during your waking hours.
- Don’t hit snooze. “Repeatedly hitting the snooze button on your alarm can actually make it harder for you to feel awake and alert,” says Fellman-Couture. In fact, consistently waking up and snoozing for 10 minutes each morning adds up to more than an hour of interrupted sleep over the course of a week. A better bet: Set the alarm for when you actually have to get out of bed — and don’t hit snooze.
- Consider a.m. exercise. If you’re not a morning person, an a.m. workout can help you feel more energized. Exercise not only improves circulation, it also produces mood-boosting hormones. In fact, as little as 10 minutes of movement can make you feel more refreshed and alert. Try getting outside for a quick walk, center yourself with some yoga or get your body ready for a busy day with some light stretches.
- Eat a solid breakfast. If your daily fix is just coffee or a sugary pastry, that could be contributing to your morning sluggishness. After fasting all night, your body needs real fuel (preferably a mix of protein, carbohydrates and fat). A few solid choices: oatmeal topped with nuts and berries, scrambled eggs on whole-grain toast or plain low-fat Greek yogurt and fruit.
- Do something that brings you joy. Whether you take an invigorating shower, play with your dog, journal or indulge in a strong cup of coffee, engage in morning activities that energize you and make you feel happy.
Make Sleep A Priority
If you really want to wake up refreshed and alert, make a commitment to get enough sleep.
“Some people need more sleep than others, but almost everyone needs between seven and nine hours each night,” says Fellman-Couture.
Part of that means establishing good sleep habits. This includes:
- Keeping your bedroom dark, cool and peaceful
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine several hours before bedtime
- Shutting down electronics at least an hour before bed
- Setting a reasonable bedtime
Whatever you have planned for the day ahead, starting the morning off on the right foot allows your brain to prepare to handle it all. Over time, your body will start to anticipate what’s expected in the morning and getting into a routine will come more naturally.
For more sleep tips, or to see a Henry Ford sleep specialist, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-436-7936.
Cynthia Fellman-Couture, RN, BSN, PhD, is a sleep research coordinator in the Thomas Roth Sleep Disorders Center at Henry Ford Health.
