Dr. Dario Dornbierer 13 mins read 16 Nov 2022

Getting up at 5 a.m.: 15 tips to wake up earlier

Um 5 Uhr aufstehen: 15 Tipps, um früher aufzuwachen

Getting up early doesn't sound appealing to most people - especially not at 5 a.m. If you decide to do it anyway, you'll have a good reason. Do you start work early? Do you have small children and want to do your morning workout before they wake up? Maybe you just want to start your day in peace before everyone else wakes up.

It's good that there are a whole host of tips that can make getting up early easier. If you decide to get up at 5 a.m. from now on, make sure you get to bed early enough in the evening. You should definitely avoid sleep deprivation.

In this article, we'll look at the health effects of getting up early and look at some alternatives. If you have no choice but to get up at 5am, or if you've made up your mind to do so for some other reason, we've got some tips to make getting up early easier. Finally, we'll reveal the secret to waking up fresh and alert - even if the alarm goes off at 5am.

WHY YOU SHOULD GET UP AT 5 AM

There are various reasons for getting up as early as 5 a.m. The most common reason is work. If you have a long commute or an early shift, this is the only way to be on time.

Other reasons are:

  • Create a time advantage to complete upcoming tasks
  • Get things done before the kids wake up
  • You are most productive at 5 a.m.

Whatever your reasons, it is fundamentally important that you are well rested when you wake up at 5 a.m.

IS IT HEALTHY TO GET UP AT 5 AM?

If you're wondering, "Is it okay to wake up at 5am?", there are a few things you should consider. First, if you're not used to waking up early, it can be a shock to your body. Take things gradually so you don't overwhelm your body.

Secondly, getting up early can be detrimental to your health if you don't go to bed on time. Chronic sleep deprivation not only leads to daytime fatigue, but can seriously damage your immune system.

Signs of sleep deprivation include:

  • Daytime fatigue
  • Yawning or difficulty keeping your eyes open
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Headache

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should gradually lower your alarm time to 5 a.m. - or rethink your plan altogether. Getting up early is only worthwhile if you are well rested and can actually make the most of the day. So make sure you go to bed at the right time.

Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night, so to wake up at 5 a.m. feeling reasonably rested, you should go to bed between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

This may not always be possible. Work or family commitments will certainly get in the way of your schedule from time to time. In that case, it is important to make sure you get enough sleep first.

ALTERNATIVES TO GETTING UP EARLY

If you find it difficult to wake up at 5 a.m., you might consider these alternatives.

The first is to adjust your sleep schedule. If you are used to waking up at 8 a.m., start by setting your alarm for 7 a.m. Gradually, you can set the alarm a little earlier until you reach 5 a.m. Another option is to wake up at 5 a.m. on some days and sleep in on others. This will help you avoid sleep deprivation and other health consequences.

Finally, you could get into the habit of taking a short nap during the day. The emphasis here is on "short". Otherwise, you will have trouble falling asleep in the evening. A power nap of up to 30 minutes is the best option. This will replenish your energy reserves and compensate for any sleep deficit.

If you don't have the opportunity to take a nap, but getting up early is causing you serious health problems, you might consider talking to your employer about whether there's a way to delay your start time a little - even if it's just until you get used to your new routine.

15 TIPS TO GET UP EARLIER

Now that you know some of the risks and benefits of waking up early, here are 15 tips to help you get up at 5 a.m. easier.

1. Set two alarms

We've all been there: "Just a few more minutes..." What feels like 5 minutes is actually 20. If you want to get up at 5am, set two alarms. Even if you doze off after the first alarm, the second alarm won't keep you awake for long.

Choose a gentle alarm melody so you don't get suddenly woken up. Alternatively, you can choose a song that puts you in a good mood. This will help you wake up in a better mood and maybe even make you look forward to the new day. A final tip is to put the second alarm clock on the other side of your bedroom so that you actually have to get up to turn it off.

2. Avoid snoozing

When you try to wake up early, the snooze button is your worst enemy. When you fall back asleep, you enter what is known as slow-wave sleep, a deeper stage of sleep than the one you woke up in.

This makes it even harder to wake up and can leave you feeling groggy and worn out for the rest of the day. If you need a few more minutes in the morning, set a second alarm for 5 or 10 minutes later.

3. Get up immediately when the alarm goes off

It may sound counterintuitive, but getting up right after the alarm goes off is one of the best ways to get out of bed earlier. However, avoid literally jumping out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off.

Sit up first and then stand up slowly. Otherwise you will overtax your circulatory system and, in the worst case, you could lose consciousness or injure yourself.

4. Drink a glass of water immediately after waking up

As soon as you wake up, drink a glass of water. It's best to put it next to your bed. Our bodies are mostly made up of water; we lose a lot of it overnight through sweat and breathing.

So it makes sense to drink water first thing in the morning. This not only makes you more alert, but also improves your skin and digestion.

5. Start the day slowly

If you wake up at 5 a.m., take a few minutes to get going. Make yourself a warm drink and postpone mentally demanding tasks until later in the day. This includes checking email, the news, or your Instagram feed. These activities drain unnecessary energy that you could use better later in the day.

6. Structure your day

One of the best ways to wake up earlier is to have a set schedule. You shouldn't have to think about what you're going to do in the morning. A good start is to have a solid morning routine that includes things that bring you joy.

So, take some time before you go to bed to plan your day. Make a list of things you need to do and make sure you have a specific goal. Having a plan will boost your motivation and help you stay on track.

7. Exercise in the morning

Exercising first thing in the morning is a great way to get your metabolism going and supply your cells with oxygen. Even if you're not a morning person, you should do a few simple exercises when you wake up.

This could be gentle stretching exercises or a slow yoga flow. If you feel like doing more, jogging is a great idea. This way you can combine exercise and fresh air first thing in the morning. The exercise will help you to feel alert, even at this early hour.

8. Breakfast

If you get up early, you should definitely eat breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and will help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

If you're not used to eating in the morning, start with something light - like a bowl of oatmeal or a piece of fruit. Once your body gets used to digesting food in the morning, you can move on to more substantial meals. Always choose wholesome, healthy options.

9. Take a cold shower

One of the most effective tips for being really awake in the morning is to take a cold shower. Start with warm water and then slowly turn the temperature down to cold. Finally, take a cold shower for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

The shock of the cold water shakes your body awake. Cold showers also increase blood circulation and supply your cells with oxygen.

10. Make the bed

This tip may sound banal, but it makes a big difference in your day. If you make the bed first thing in the morning, you'll feel like you've accomplished something.

Making the bed is an ideal task for your morning routine. It also crosses one thing off your to-do list and clears your head.

11. Meditate or do breathing exercises

Meditation is a good way to start. Targeted breathing exercises also help to ground you, connect you with your body and start the morning from your center. Just a few minutes are enough to have a positive effect on your day.

There are many different types and techniques of meditation. Take some time to find the one that works best for you.

12. Get some fresh air

As soon as you're on your feet, you should get some fresh air. If you have time, take a short walk or go jogging. Alternatively, you can just sit in the garden with your coffee.

Fresh air and exercise do wonders for your body and mind. If you can't go outside, at least open a window and let some fresh air into the room.

13. Get up at 5am every day

One of the best ways to train your body to wake up early is to wake up at 5 a.m. every day, even on weekends and holidays. This will help you establish a regular sleep schedule and make it easier to get up in the morning. If you do occasionally sleep in, try not to sleep more than an hour or two past your usual wake-up time.

When you wake up, always take a few minutes for yourself. Meditate, write in your journal or just sit quietly and enjoy the peace. This will help you to start your day in a centered way.

14. Take time to change

Don't expect to become an early riser overnight. Most people need a few weeks to get used to the new routine, so be patient and give yourself the time you need.

15. Stay on the ball

If you've decided to try some of these tips to wake up earlier, stick with it! The first few days will be challenging, but trust us, it gets easier with time!

Set realistic goals and hold yourself accountable to mastering your new project. Getting up early is a habit that takes time to develop. Don't let the initial difficulties discourage you.

HOW TO GET UP AT 5 AM

How you wake up sets the tone for the rest of your day. Far too often we wake up tired, exhausted, groggy, or just plain grumpy. Waking up early doesn't make things better. This can be problematic if you've decided to wake up early to be more productive. You don't want to spend your day feeling like you'd rather be in bed.

You're probably wondering if there's a way to wake up fresh and alert even at 5am. We've looked into it in depth and come up with a unique solution. So how can you get out of bed at 5am feeling refreshed and rested?

B・SYNC ON is the first and only dietary supplement in the world that supports the waking process. The capsules contain only four natural ingredients - vitamin B5, vitamin B12, zinc and caffeine. This unique combination supplies your body with nutrients overnight and ensures alertness and a good mood when you wake up. B・SYNC ON works thanks to innovative, delayed release of active ingredients, ie you take one capsule before going to sleep and only feel the full effect when you wake up.

B・SYNC ON is designed to help you start your day and can effectively help you get up earlier. The benefits of zinc and B vitamins also last all day.

GETTING UP AT 5 AM: THE CONCLUSION

The alarm clock going off at 5 a.m. may seem daunting, but we're convinced that with the right attitude and approach, you can easily find your new sleep routine. The tips in this article should help you wake up refreshed and energized and start your day with a smile.

FAQ

Is 5am too early to get up?

It depends on why you want to get up so early. If you want to be more productive, then 5 a.m. is a good time to get up. If you're not a morning person and want to start the day more leisurely, then 5 a.m. might be too early for you.

Is it healthy to wake up at 5am or not?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether it is good to get up at 5 a.m. It depends on what you want to achieve and your individual preferences. But please be aware of the health risks associated with lack of sleep.

How can I manage to be truly alert at 5 a.m.?

There are a number of things you can do to wake up refreshed at 5am: Make sure you drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up. Give yourself time to get used to getting up early: gradually set your alarm clock a little earlier until you reach 5am. Stick with it and don't get discouraged!

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