If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep and health, ditching your alarm clock and waking up naturally is a great place to start.
How many times have you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock, only to be jolted awake by the loud sound minutes later? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “too many times to count.” While using an alarm clock can be a convenient way to wake up in the morning, it’s not always the best option. In fact, there are a number of reasons why you should stop using an alarm clock and start waking up naturally.
Keep reading to find out exactly what they are.
Reasons to stop using an alarm clock and wake up naturally
Waking up naturally is one of the best things you can do for your sleep and health.
There are many advantages to ditching your alarm clock and letting your body wake up on its own.
Research shows that there are many disadvantages of using an alarm clock.
For instance, people who use an alarm clock are more likely to feel stressed and rushed in the morning, and less able to enjoy a leisurely start to their day.
They’re also more likely to have difficulty falling back asleep if they wake up in the middle of the night, and may even suffer from sleep deprivation.
A study from Japan concluded that waking up naturally could prevent acute increases in your blood pressure and heart rate and thus, decrease the possibility of a heart attack (Kaida et al., 2005).
In fact, even if it’s only an afternoon nap, self-awakening has been shown to be much more effective for your productivity and wellness (Kaida et al. , 2003).
So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep and health, giving natural waking a try is a great place to start.
Read also: 27 Healthy habits to naturally improve your sleep.
"That moment your alarm clock goes off in the morning and you don't know whether to get dressed or fake an illness." - Unknown
Here are 10 reasons why you should ditch your alarm clock and wake up naturally:
- Feeling more rested
- You can ease into your day
- Improved mood
- Boosted productivity
- You won’t have to rely on caffeine to wake you up
- You’ll avoid the afternoon slump
- Better sleep at night
- More energy during the day
- Feeling less stressed
- Improved connection to your natural body rhythms.
1. You’ll feel more rested when you wake up naturally
Waking up gradually gives your body time to ease into the day and adjust to being awake, which leads to a more rested feeling.
2. You can ease into your day if you stop using the alarm clock
When you wake up naturally, you have time to mentally prepare for the day ahead and ease into your morning routine.
This can help you avoid the feeling of being rushed and stressed as you start your day.
3. You’ll be in a better mood when you wake up naturally
Waking up naturally can help improve your mood for the day. In fact, when you’re not jolted awake by an alarm, you tend to wake up feeling more refreshed and positive.
4. You’ll be more productive if you wake up naturally
Allowing yourself to wake up naturally can help you be more productive throughout the day.
This is because when you’re well-rested and in a good mood, you’re more likely to be able to focus and get things done.
According to research, alarms often do not take into account the cognitive behavior of the user.
In fact, many alarms tend to be too loud, confusing and irritating and may hinder rather than enhance performance (Edworthy & Hellier, 2006).
Check out my YouTube video to discover exactly why you should ditch the alarm clock
5. You won’t have to rely on caffeine to wake you up
If you typically rely on coffee or other caffeinated beverages to wake you up in the morning, ditching your alarm clock can help break that dependence.
When you wake up naturally, you won’t need that extra caffeine boost to get going.
6. You’ll avoid the afternoon slump
The energy crash that often occurs in the afternoon can be caused by interrupted sleep cycles.
If you wake up naturally, you’re more likely to have a consistent sleep cycle and avoid that midday slump.
7. You’ll sleep better at night if you stop using the alarm clock
When you go to bed at a reasonable time and wake up without an alarm, your body is better able to prepare for sleep.
This can lead to improved sleep quality and quantity. Actually, just knowing that you’ve set the alarm may cause you to jump out of your sleep prematurely due to high levels of stress hormones.
8. You’ll have more energy during the day
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day. If you’re well-rested, you’ll have more energy to take on whatever comes your way.
9. You’ll be less stressed if you wake up naturally
The stress of being jolted awake by an alarm can carry over into the rest of your day. When you wake up naturally, you’re likely to feel more relaxed and less stressed.
10. You’ll feel more connected to your natural body rhythms
Waking up in sync with your body’s natural rhythm can help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.
If you typically wake up to an alarm, it can be helpful to take some time to reconnect with your natural sleep patterns and cues.
Read also: 14 Ways lack of sleep may affect your health
"The most disturbing sound in the world comes from your alarm clock at 5:30 am." - Unknown
Final words on reasons to stop using an alarm clock and wake up naturally
Have you ever considered not using an alarm clock? It may be time to try waking up naturally.
There are several benefits to this approach, which I’ve outlined in this blog post.
I hope you will give it a try and see for yourself how much better you feel when you start your day without an alarm clock.
Related topics
What are some tips to make waking up early easier?
There are many benefits to waking up early, including getting more done throughout the day and enjoying more peace and quiet.
But, for some people, waking up early is a challenge.
If you’re finding it difficult to get out of bed early, try using some of these tips to make the process a whole lot easier. Read more
What are the main causes of sleep deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a serious issue that many people face today. There are many causes of sleep deprivation, and it can have harmful effects on your health.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss the main causes of sleep deprivation and how you can avoid them. Click here to learn more.
References
Edworthy J, Hellier E. Alarms and human behaviour: implications for medical alarms. Br J Anaesth. 2006 Jul;97(1):12-7. 7.5
Kaida K, Ogawa K, Hayashi M, Hori T. Self-awakening prevents acute rise in blood pressure and heart rate at the time of awakening in elderly people. Ind Health. 2005 Jan;43(1):179-85.
Kaida K, Nittono H, Hayashi M, Hori T. Effects of self-awakening on sleep structure of a daytime short nap and on subsequent arousal levels. Percept Mot Skills. 2003 Dec;97(3 Pt 2):1073-84.
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