How beneficial is waking up at five am? Blog Post #8
These days it feels as common as rice to hear about fitness influencers bragging about waking up at an insane time, all in the name of "getting the grind." I'm sure many of you have seen at least one of those protein filled, creatine-coated, five am vibe day-in-the- life's. Where their life seems so glamorous from the outside looking in, but ultimately feels unattainable because of their extremely disciplined regimens. What I'm inquiring is could there be any reasonable benefits besides grandiose bragging rights, a descent gym photo, and a reasonably sized headache.
Universally, anyone feels, groggy, tired, stressed out, sucky mental health and all around gross after a morning that is earlier than what they're used to, and that's normal. However, if a person prepares the night before, and gets the substantial sleep they need, there are several benefits to waking up at five am. Firstly being, improved mental health.
Both the Sleep Foundation, and Integrative Psych unanimously agreed that waking up earlier improved one's mental state because it gives people more time to plan, and get started on their day. The Sleep Foundation stated that "Research shows that people who tend to sleep and wake later are more likely to experience anxiety and depression."(Hamzeh 2023) Another website Psych unanimous also agreed that waking at five am improves mental health because having a more laid back morning alleviates stress and improves mood. (Integrative Psych 2025)
To put it in perspective, lets say I had work at eight-thirty am, but woke up at seven am to take the bus to work thirty minutes away. Because I'd have to set aside thirty minutes just for transportation, I'd be rushing around my house, struggling to make breakfast, look presentable and barely rushing out the door on time. In contrast, if someone were to wake up at five am they would have more time to plan out their day. Instead of frantically making a piece of toast and a cup of coffee before rushing out the door, I'd be able to cook something delicious, take a shower as long as they pleased, or even get started working at home before leaving for work. Then, not only would the stress of rushing everywhere be entirely eliminated, but their productivity as well would be able to significantly increase.
Not only did those two sources agree that waking up earlier would contribute to a less mentally stressful day, but a more productive one. As previously stated because said person would have more time to plan and start their day, but they would be more productive having already gotten started.
Although waking up early isn't for everyone, it can greatly improve someone's life. If interested in learning more, I'd recommend watching this video below.
Hamzeh, Yazan. “The Benefits of Waking up Early.” The Benefits of Waking Up Early, Sleep Foundation, 21 June 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/benefits-of-waking-up-early. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025
“The Benefits of Waking up Early: Enhancing Mental Health and Overall Well-Being.” Integrative Psych, ADHD, Gay, Anxiety, Mental Health, Adult & Child Psychiatrist New York - Integrative Psych, www.integrative-psych.org/resources/the-benefits-of-waking-up-early-enhancing-mental-health-and-overall-well-being#s-better-mental-health. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
I totally get what you mean about those fitness influencers hyping their early starts. I used to think it was just bragging too, but trying it out, I actually found waking up early gave me more time to prep for my day and felt less stressed overall. The mental clarity and productivity boost have been real game-changers for me. It's surprising how much of a difference a couple of extra hours in the morning can make!
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DeleteIt’s pretty interesting how many benefits you get just from waking up a few hours earlier. Perhaps as an avid lifter, waking up at 5 am could prove genuinely beneficial to my growth.
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