Waking up early can have a positive impact on our mental health, and scientific research supports this claim. Studies have found that early risers tend to have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder than night owls. One study published in the journal Chronobiology International found that evening types were more likely to suffer from major depression and bipolar disorder compared to morning types.
One of the reasons for this link between waking up early and improved mental health is that early risers are better able to align their internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, with the external environment. When we wake up early and are exposed to natural light, we are able to reset our internal body clock, which leads to improved regulation of hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. These hormones play a critical role in regulating our mood and cognitive function.
Another reason for the link between waking up early and improved mental health is that early risers are able to take advantage of the “morning effect.” The morning effect is the phenomenon where our cognitive abilities are at their peak in the morning. Studies have found that our ability to focus, problem solve, and make decisions is highest in the morning. This can lead to improved mood and reduced stress levels.
Many successful individuals are known to be early risers and they also report better mental health. Oprah Winfrey, for example, wakes up at 6:00am every day, and attributes her success in part to her early morning routine. Similarly, Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, wakes up at 5:30am every day and has said that it helps him to be more focused and productive.
FimbleFits lifestyle management program encourages people to wake up early, as it is scientifically backed way of improving mental health. Our program provides tips and strategies for making the transition to waking up early, such as going to bed earlier, setting a consistent sleep schedule, and gradually adjusting your wake-up time. By following FimbleFits program, you can take advantage of the many benefits that come with being an early riser and improve your mental well-being.
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References:
- Roenneberg, T., Kuehnle, T., Pramstaller, P. P., Ricken, J., Havel, M., Guth, A., & Merrow, M. (2004). A marker for the end of adolescence. Current biology: CB, 14(24), R948-R949.
- Adan, A., Almirall, D., & Sánchez-Ortuño, M. (2012). Chronotype and its impact on mental health. International journal of environmental research and public health, 9(12), 4253-4272.
- Dijk, D. J., & Czeisler, C. A. (1999). Contribution of the circadian pacemaker and the sleep homeostat to sleep propensity, sleep structure, electroencephalographic slow waves, and sleep spindle activity in humans. Journal of Neuroscience, 19(24), 10681-10691.