Research shows that people who tend to sleep and wake later are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who sleep and wake earlier.

A recent study suggests that people who prefer a late bedtime may be able to reduce their mental health risks by adjusting the time they sleep. 

In this study, those who shifted their sleep schedules earlier by about two hours reported lower levels of depression and stress compared to those who did not shift their sleep schedules. 

More research may determine if changing one’s sleep schedule could help treat such disorders.

Improved Performance

Early birds and night owls not only sleep on different schedules, they also experience peak performance at different times of day. For example, those who stay up late tend to perform worse in the morning at both physical and mental tasks.

Time for Morning Exercise

Shifting to an earlier sleep-wake schedule can open up time for morning exercise. Exercising regularly is often recommended as a low-cost treatment option for getting more and better-quality sleep.

Time for Breakfast

Waking up earlier provides more time to prepare a healthy breakfast. Healthy, high-protein breakfast options with low sugar content have been shown to improve energy levels throughout the day. People who eat breakfast feel more alert in the morning and tend to be in a better mood than those who skip this meal.

TIPS FOR WAKING UP EARLY

Sleeping and waking up early may feel difficult for night owls. But with some guidance, they can successfully make the transition.

Make Gradual Changes

Instead of abruptly beginning an entirely new sleep schedule, ease into an earlier wake time over a few days. Start by going to sleep and waking up about 15 minutes earlier than normal. Then continue adjusting your schedule by 15 minutes each night until you reach the wake-up time you desire.

Get Morning Light

Bright light exposure in the early morning helps people wake up and go to sleep earlier. Try taking a morning walk or spending time in sunshine early in the day to help reinforce your new sleep schedule.

Avoid Evening Light

Try to limit or avoid light exposure in the evening to avoid making your body want to stay up later. Exposure to blue light in the evening can make falling asleep early especially difficult. Try not to use these electronic devices in the hours before bed, since they can interfere with the ability to fall asleep.

Exercise Early

If you have trouble waking up as early as you would like, consider exercising earlier in the day. Research demonstrates that early-morning exercise can help a person shift to an earlier sleep schedule.

Time Your Meals

Like morning exercise, eating an early breakfast is another factor that may help a person keep an earlier sleep-wake schedule. In one study, researchers had people eat breakfast as soon as they woke up in order to help them shift to sleeping and waking earlier. More research is needed, but some studies suggest that meal timing affects circadian rhythms, including when a person feels alert or ready to sleep. In addition to eating breakfast upon waking, try to eat lunch and dinner at the same time each day and avoid eating meals late in the evening.

Limit Caffeine

Research shows that caffeine can impair a person’s ability to sleep, even if they consumed it six hours before bedtime. As you work toward going to sleep and waking up earlier, try to avoid coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine later in the day.

Reward Yourself

Habit formation can be facilitated by rewards. As you first shift your schedule, give yourself an incentive to help make going to sleep and waking up earlier feel worthwhile. Treat yourself to something special or enjoyable each time you fall asleep and wake up early.

Practice Healthy Sleep Habits

Practicing healthy sleep habits can help people obtain higher-quality sleep. Try incorporating these healthy sleep habits to help you fall asleep more easily as you go to sleep earlier: Go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day. Keep the bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Remove computers, phones, and TVs from the bedroom. Avoid large meals, alcohol, and caffeine near bedtime.