Optimal time to wake up

[Walker]

Something I've been discussing with co-workers and friends lately is the subject of the time each individual wakes up in the morning. Blaming my military background, and the majority of my hobbies, for most of my adult life I have woken up around 0430-0500 religiously. Barring the first few months of PFS which getting out of the bed required a crowbar, of course. I know that most successful (CEOs, doctors, etc.) people attribute the waking up early to success, but regarding health, it seems the opposite. Ben Greenfield for example, claims that setting no alarm clock and waking up naturally is the way to go. Obviously most of us cannot get by with that with work, school, etc.

Just wanted to start a discussion as to what the optimal time for health is for your average guy or gal to wake up and see the most benefit. I've always been curious if waking up early as hell has affected my health negatively in any way, and if I should switch to being a lazy sleep-in kinda guy.

 

[RebelWithACause]

Wake up naturally

 

[raven]

Some people are naturally morning people so waking up at 0500 can be optimal for them, some people are night owls, so waking up much later can be optimal for them (though pretty much everyone needs 7+ hours sleep regardless)

This is evolutionary, back in the days of tribes there was an advantage in some people being awake early in the morning and some people being awake late at night to keep watch, so gradually over generations some people's circadian rhythms shifted earlier and some people's later.

Best thing to do is to experiment and see what works best for you. For me what helped me reset my sleeping pattern was no caffeine after lunch, no screens or other artificial light after 7pm (can buy blue light filtering goggles if you're hardcore), out for a morning walk as soon as I got up. Actually I probably need another reset.

Eventually the main thing is to get up at the same time every day, the worst thing is to be one of those people who gets up at 6am for work 5 days a week and then lies in to 11 on the weekend cause then your cycle just gets fucked up.

 

[RebelWithACause]

I wake up every morning 6:30 no matter how late I sleep

 

[Walker]

Some people are naturally morning people so waking up at 0500 can be optimal for them, some people are night owls, so waking up much later can be optimal for them (though pretty much everyone needs 7+ hours sleep regardless)

This is evolutionary, back in the days of tribes there was an advantage in some people being awake early in the morning and some people being awake late at night to keep watch, so gradually over generations some people's circadian rhythms shifted earlier and some people's later.

Best thing to do is to experiment and see what works best for you. For me what helped me reset my sleeping pattern was no caffeine after lunch, no screens or other artificial light after 7pm (can buy blue light filtering goggles if you're hardcore), out for a morning walk as soon as I got up. Actually I probably need another reset.

Eventually the main thing is to get up at the same time every day, the worst thing is to be one of those people who gets up at 6am for work 5 days a week and then lies in to 11 on the weekend cause then your cycle just gets fucked up.

Can't agree more with the last statement there. That's what I've always told my wife - consistency is key. Also, there's a device called the "ReTimer", not sure if it's a great product or not, but seems to reset your circadian cycle. I've used Valkee's HumanCharger pretty consistently as I travel for work a lot and consistently get jet lagged, and it's great.

 

[hairsuit]

Can't agree more with the last statement there. That's what I've always told my wife - consistency is key. Also, there's a device called the "ReTimer", not sure if it's a great product or not, but seems to reset your circadian cycle. I've used Valkee's HumanCharger pretty consistently as I travel for work a lot and consistently get jet lagged, and it's great.

Well, I done screwed up and went and had kids (jk). But seriously, since my oldest was born 12 years ago, 0600 on the dot, everyday, no matter where in the world I am. I kinda like it.

 

[Canari]

What if you see it the reverse, that not waking up early is a sign of health issue, instead of getting up early causing fatigue? As long as this is regular and with an eventual change with light, I do not see the problem. The best is to follow circadian rythm and to get early sun in the eyes.

Wake up naturally is great as long as you go to sleep early…
I tend to have difficulties to go to bed. I am tired but it is as if I refuse to go to bed. When I can go to bed early and wake up early and naturally, that is the best sign I am fine!