As a chronic night owl, I've got to say I hate getting up early every morning. I enjoy school and love the people there, I just wish I could start my day four hours later! In the end, I know it just comes down to doing it, but these are some of the things that help me sleep better and wake up happier. I hope this helps!
1. Exercise
Regular exercise can help you sleep sooner and sounder. I got the best sleep of my life when I was on swim team. Kudos if you can work out in the morning! It’ll get your blood flowing and release good endorphins to fight the sleep off.
2. Don’t Do Homework in Bed
Much like how setting your alarm to the same sound every morning leads you to associate that sound with being jolted awake, bringing any kind of work to bed at night leads your brain to associate your bed with work, stress, and definitely not relaxation.
3. Try Drawing/Reading/Writing – Anything
Find out what works for you. I have the hardest time getting my brain to shut itself off every night – especially when I need the sleep most. Reading a book, writing out your thoughts, or falling asleep to music can help your mind wind down sooner, getting you a better night’s rest.
4. Turn Off Technology
Multiple studies show that looking at screens before hitting the hay can be detrimental to your night. This is because they emit a blue light that prevents your body from producing melatonin because your eyes think it’s still daytime. Sleep.org suggests turning off all devices half an hour before you plan on going to bed.
5. Do Everything the Night Before
Lay out your clothes, pack your lunch, and get your things together ahead of time. Don’t even shower in the morning if you can help it. Odds are, if you’re a night owl, going to bed fifteen minutes later is a whole lot easier than waking up fifteen minutes earlier.
6. Plan Some Small Motivation Every Morning
Sometimes, you just need a little more motivation than “I’ll be late if I don’t get up.” Planning small things to look forward to in the morning can give you that little extra bit of motivation you need.
7. Wake Up To Music
How you wake up can make all the difference in the world. Annoying or abrasive alarms make getting up worse than it has to be. If you have an iPhone, set your alarm to play your favorite artist, or buy an alarm clock that does. Just make sure you change the song out regularly or you’ll end up hating all your favorite songs!
8. Try Tea
I would say coffee, but overall, I think tea is a healthier way to wake up in the morning, and it can help you fall asleep at night. Relaxing teas such as chamomile and lavender can help you sleep deeper sooner, and caffeinated teas such as black or green tea will help wake you up in the morning.
