4 Benefits to Waking up at 5 A.M.

Story by Sammy Miyake | Design and Illustration by Lisa Yamakawa Reyes

5 a.m. can seem like a different time to just about everyone. For some people it’s the middle of the night, others it’s bedtime—but for some, it’s the best time to wake up and start the day. 5 a.m. can bring a plethora of health benefits to waking up at that time.

#1 - MORE TIME IN THE DAY

People with a busy schedule can feel like they have a bit more time in their day just by extending things on the morning side. Kelsey Rankin, a senior public relations major, is a barista who usually works morning shifts. “I have more time to eat a good breakfast and jumpstart my metabolism,” she explains. Time is valuable, especially when your schedule is jam-packed.

#2 – ALERTNESS INCREASES

Waking up early can allow people to feel more alert throughout the day. Associate Professor of Psychology Meaghan Nolte says, “For me, it's really great that I can start getting ready for work at 6:30, but have already worked for about 75 minutes.” She adds, “Additionally, having time and not having to rush to get to class or work can have the impact of helping people be more aware and attentive.” Waking up early can also help you stay alert during early classes; it “might make the difference between a good grade and a marginal one,” says Nolte.

#3 – REGULATE YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE

One big benefit to waking up early is that it can help you go to bed earlier. Many people are guilty of staying up way too late and, as a result, often messing up our sleep schedules, according to Great Performers Academy. Your body often needs some time to adjust to a new sleep schedule. Mina Jung, a junior public relations major, used to wake up at 5 a.m. for work on the weekends before making the move to Ellensburg. Even though she doesn’t have to wake up early anymore, she says she still would wake up early. “At first, I woke up very early but was still very tired. After a while I got used to sleeping in later,” she says.

#4 – MORE ENERGY FOR THE DAY

A lot of early risers have said that waking up early is a big help to their energy levels throughout the day. It seems to be true with Rankin, who says this is true for her, “as long as I go to bed at a reasonable time.” Waking up early and having more energy correlate, but under certain circumstances. “Good sleep hygiene starts with having a (relatively) consistent bedtime,” Nolte explains. “The best way to determine an appropriate bedtime is to count backwards from the time you need to be awake and start getting ready for bed about nine hours before your wake-up time.”

Waking up at 5 a.m. is not for everyone, though it may be something to consider. Even if you don’t want to strive for that early, waking up a little earlier than normal can be the first step to giving that extra energy boost for the day or even fixing your sleep schedule.

WINTER 2019 | ISSUE TWO 29