Is getting up at 4:00 am really worth it?

Waking up at 4:00 am may seem like a daunting task, but there are actually several benefits to getting up early. For one, it allows you to get a head start on your day and get more done. 

Additionally, it can help you to avoid rush hour traffic and enjoy some peace and quiet. Perhaps most importantly, waking up early gives you time to reflect on your goals and plan your day. But is it all worth it? Is it even healthy?

Keep reading to find out. 

“One key to success is to have lunch at the time of day most people have breakfast.” – Robert Brault

Does waking up at 4 am make you more successful?

Several wealthy, successful, inspirational people have mentioned the importance of waking up early in order to have a better start towards their day.

Benjamin Franklin, Kris Jenner, Michelle Obama, Tim Cook are all known for starting their day in the wee hours of the morning. If we look at their wealth and level of success, it would really seem as if the early bird catches the worm. 

But, is this always true? And, is there any hope for the rest of us mortal folks who claim to get the best sleep at 4:00 am?

Undeniably, many people also feel that starting their mornings at 4 am allows them to set themselves apart from the rest of the working world. This is because most people that they come into contact with are still asleep at this time of the day.

There are several scholars who have mentioned the benefits of waking up early also. In fact, having an early morning schedule and following it religiously will let you have more undisturbed time for work in the morning and more opportunity for relaxation and entertainment in the evening.

Additionally, waking up early helps you to set routines and habit to set you up for success.

However, the jury is still out on this one. 

Some people swear by the benefits of rising early, while others find that they perform just as well – if not better – by sleeping in. There is some evidence to suggest that waking up early can help you to be more productive with some studies claiming that early risers were less likely to procrastinate and more likely to stick to their goals.

On the other hand, waking up early isn’t necessarily the key to success. 

In fact, many successful people swear by sleeping in late. What’s more, there’s research to suggest that night owls are actually more intelligent and creative than early birds. So while there may be some advantages to waking up early, it’s certainly not a guarantee of success.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different. Some people are simply not morning people, and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

Ultimately, the best time to wake up is whatever works best for you and helps you to meet your goals.

Read also: Discover 6 benefits of waking up early

"Wake up early tackle the day before it tackles you." - Evan Carmichael

Is waking up at 4:00 am healthy?

It really does depend on the total number of hours and quality of sleep you can get. However, given the fact that the majority of the persons won’t be asleep by 8:00 pm, regularly waking up at 4:00 would end up not being healthy for most of us.

Always remember to listen to your body. 

To make things more difficult, there’s also a genetic component to the body clock (circadian rhythm).

Hence this means that you might feel like sleeping or not at any particular point of time or you could be suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome which is basically where your circadian rhythm is shifted and you don’t go to sleep until the early hours of the morning.

But a good night’s rest is important for your mental health as well as physical fitness.

Research shows that long term sleep deprivation can result in an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure or even a stroke. The lack of sleep has also been linked to problems in metabolic regulation and weight gain.

As such it’s important to get enough sleep every night. Try experimenting with what suits you best.

Notably, if you are able to do so then it is always advisable to start your day early. The key is make your sleep schedule consistent. Keep track of when you are going to sleep.

Read also: 14 Ways lack of sleep at night affects your health

How can I start waking up at 4:00 am?

Some people might feel fresh and ready to go at the crack of dawn but for others this is a difficult time. 

Making the transition from sleeping in to waking up at 4:00 am can be a difficult task. However, there are a few things that you can do to make the process a bit easier. 

First, it is important to get enough sleep the night before. This means going to bed at a reasonable hour and avoiding any electronics for at least an hour before bedtime. 

Second, it is helpful to gradually adjust your sleep schedule. This can be done by waking up at 5:00 am instead of 4:00 am for a few days, and then slowly moving it back to 4:00 am. 

Finally, it is important to have a good morning routine. This should include getting out of bed at the designated time, drinking plenty of water, and eating a healthy breakfast. 

By following these tips, you will be able to make the transition from sleeping in to waking up at 4:00 am without too much difficulty.

Read also: Read 12 tips to make waking up early easier. 

What are the disadvantages of waking up at 4:00 am?

While there are a few potential benefits to waking up early, there are also several disadvantages that should be considered. 

One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can be difficult to get enough sleep. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, and if you’re only going to bed at 9:00 pm, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get the rest you need. 

Additionally, early risers may find themselves feeling groggy and exhausted throughout the day.

Another downside is that it can be tough to stick to an early morning routine. It’s all too easy to hit the snooze button when your alarm goes off at 4:00 am, and if you’re not careful, you can quickly find yourself falling back into bad habits.

Finally, waking up early can cause you to miss out on important social activities. If you’re used to staying up late, you may have trouble adjusting to an earlier bedtime, which can mean missing out on time spent with friends and family. 

Overall, there are a few potential benefits to waking up early, but there are also several disadvantages that should be taken into account.

Final words on waking up at 4:00 am

Related topics

How can I naturally improve my sleep?

In today’s society, it seems like many people are chronically sleep deprived. It can be difficult to get a good night’s rest when you have a lot on your mind or if you’re struggling with insomnia. 

However, there are some things you can do to improve your sleep habits naturally. Here are a few tips to help you get started. Read more

Should I use an alarm to wake up early?

The debate of whether or not to use an alarm clock to wake up early has been going on for years, with both sides making valid points. 

On one hand, alarm clocks are a reliable way to ensure that you wake up on time, even if you’re not a morning person. 

On the other hand, some people argue that alarm clocks can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and lead to feelings of grogginess and fatigue. So, what’s the verdict? Read more

Reference

Ben Simon E, Walker MP. Sleep loss causes social withdrawal and loneliness. Nat Commun. 2018 Aug 14;9(1):3146.