More time to exercise
If working out is important to you, but you struggle to find the time, getting up early may work for you.
Exercising first thing in the morning removes the temptation to skip workouts later in the day.
Exercise initiates the release of endorphins that can improve your mood, lower stress and anxiety, and increase energy levels. A morning workout means you can reap those benefits during the day.
Less time in traffic
Leaving the house early can help you avoid the usual traffic.
Less traffic saves you time, but it may also help protect your health and well-being. Research has associated traffic with:
More time to get things done
You don’t have to fill every second to get more done. But if you need a little extra time, getting up early gives you a distraction-free chance to take care of things you might not otherwise be able to do.
Even if you do not have a task to complete, having more time in the morning can give you some much-needed alone time.
Better sleep
In general, you should aim for an uninterrupted 7 to 8 hoursTrusted Source of sleep. Getting under 5 hours or over 9 hours of sleep may be increase your risk of developing an infection, but more research is needed.
Getting quality sleep comes with benefits such asTrusted Source:
- balanced hunger hormones
- improved insulin management
- improved immune response
- supporting fertility
It can also decrease your risk of chronic conditions, such asTrusted Source:
More energy
High sleep quality is associated with more energy.
If you’re going to bed earlier and getting better quality sleep, you may wake up feeling more rested and refreshed for the day ahead.
Healthier skin
Good sleep may help keep your skin healthy. The oxidative stress from sleep deprivation may contribute to:
- acne
- psoriasis
- atopic dermatitis
- skin aging
Going to bed earlier also gives you more time to practice good skin care, like washing your face.
Fewer dark circles
As long as you pair getting up early with an earlier bedtime so you’re not sacrificing sleep, you may notice a reduction in dark circles.
That’s because dark circles are created by shadows from puffiness under the eyes, which in turn is caused by fluid buildup from a lack of sleep.
More time for breakfast
Waking up earlier in the morning gives you extra time to make and enjoy a filling breakfast, instead of grabbing a quick coffee and donut on the go.
Starting the day with a nutritious meal can leave you feeling full longer, with more energy for the day ahead.
Helps you concentrate
Your brain doesn’t wake up the second you do, which is why you may feel groggy and disoriented when you first get up. This is called sleep inertia.
This sleep inertia is a regular part of the waking process. Still, it can last about an hour or more, making it harder to concentrate and get things done if you wake up too close to when you need to be out the door.
Waking up earlier gives you time to fully wake up so you’re more focused.
