9 Ways to Help You Wake Up Naturally (Without an Alarm)

Staying indoors, you may feel more tired, especially with a cozy bed or sofa nearby. However, heading outside in the morning can jumpstart your body’s circadian rhythm.

This internal clock’s greatest trigger is natural light. When it’s dark out, the body produces more melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy, but when you’re exposed to sunlight^[1], this tells your body it’s time to get up and get moving.

Plus, morning light exposure and fresh air are rejuvenating, making you more excited for the day.

Moving around is an excellent way to wake up. Even if you don’t have time to hit the gym or go for a jog, a brief exercise at home can also be invigorating and get your blood pumping.

Need more info? Read all about the link between exercise and sleep quality here.

One of the fastest ways to feel more alert is to do something that engages your brain. Reading a book or doing the crossword puzzle are a few ways to get your mind energized.

Splashing some cold water on your face may also help you feel more awake. This is because the cold water^[2] brings more circulation to your head for a temporary energy boost.

Food is a natural source of energy, which is why eating a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast should help you wake up better.

In the event you’re unsure of what to eat, Harvard Health^[3] suggests foods with protein and whole grains or making yourself a healthy breakfast smoothie.

The first and perhaps most obvious thing you should do upon waking up is to get out of bed immediately so you're up and moving.

You can also invest in scented lotions or essential oils with invigorating scents such as peppermint or citrus. Be sure to avoid lavender as this smell could make you drowsy.

Find a song that motivates you and play it first thing in the morning to help kick start your day on an uplifting note.

Catching up with family or friends can also jumpstart your morning. On days when you’re feeling low on energy, ask your friend or relative for a pep talk or some motivating advice.

Once you determine your ideal sleep duration, plan accordingly. For example, if 8 hours of shuteye allows you to feel the most refreshed and you have to up at 6:00 a.m., that means your bedtime should be 10:00 p.m.

Most importantly, stick to your schedule every day so that your body becomes used to it. You are training yourself to naturally fall asleep and wake up when you need it to.

While it may be harder to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time on the weekends, it’s important to adhere to your regular sleep schedule then as well.

When adjusting your sleep schedule, you may initially find it difficult to wind down, especially if you’re trying to go to bed earlier. A good nighttime routine, though, should help you relax. Chamomile tea, a warm bath, meditation, or reading a book are examples of healthy habits to signal your body it’s time for bed.

Get More Info: 9 Bedtime Rituals To Help You Relax

Constant access to lights and screens^[6] can delay the onset of sleep by halting melatonin production, making you feel more alert.

Instead, try dimming the lights in your home every evening, and avoid staring at your television, smartphone, or computer immediately before bed.

Read More: How Technology Impacts Sleep Quality

Alarm clocks have become a necessity for many people. Most folks would sleep much later than they intend to without the help of an alarm.

However, waking up without one is a much more natural way to live. Plus, it means that your body is telling you when it’s time to start the day, which is better than having your external environment dictate your wake-up time.

The best way to make sure you’re able to get up naturally is to get plenty of sleep so that your body is well-rested enough to awake on its own.

Planning your sleep-wake schedule to allow for enough rest and following good sleep hygiene habits should help you wake up naturally.

You may also consider trying to wake up naturally with the help of wake-up lights, which work by simulating a sunrise.

The lights begin working between 30 minutes and two hours of your desired wake-up time. Then, when it’s time to get out of bed, you should be wide awake and ready to start the day.

When you lie down at night, you may begin to think about the long list of to-dos that have to be done the following day. Then your mind wanders to potential conflicts and perceived obstacles. All these worries could keep you up, leaving you more tired when the morning rolls around.

To prevent this and help you fall asleep faster, try planning your day in advance. Before going to bed, lay out your clothes, pack any bags you need for school or work, and have your breakfast and lunch prepared and ready to grab on your way out the door. Additionally, you can write down your schedule and any tasks you will need to accomplish.