“In an ideal world, you want to wake up to natural sunlight,” said Melanie Bauman, Director of Wellness.  But often, we wake up to the screeching alarm and rush to our next commitment. So, what are some ways to improve our morning experiences? 

“Humans sleep better when they are in slightly cooler conditions, so you want a gentle warming phase as you wake up,” Ms. Bauman said.  

You can wear a pair of socks to keep your feet and body warm before stepping down onto the cold floor or keep parts of your window open so that sunlight will provide you warmth. But beware of your phone screen – it might divert you from your morning activities.  

Refrain from other things that distract you from a productive morning like looking at a phone screen as mentioned earlier. It is important to practice self-control in the morning hour. Getting distracted by something for a few minutes might mean rushing in the next few minutes.  

Getting out of bed in the morning doesn’t always have to be a pain. Finding the right methods of waking up can enhance your morning experience. When we correctly break our sleep cycle, we can effectively improve wakefulness. 

“If you can interrupt and wake up in a stage one and two cycle, you are more likely to wake up more alert.” Ms. Bauman said. 

Tracking your sleep cycle on your phone or watching it through an app can help you understand these cycles and plan a sleeping schedule for when to go to bed and wake up.  

Your morning emotions influence your energy levels throughout the day. Whether it be smooth music or loud, noisy voices, it is never good to set multiple alarms. With the constant interruption of waking up and falling asleep, you will feel more tired even if you slept longer.  

As recommended by Ms. Bauman, if you want to set multiple alarms, have at least twenty minutes in between the two alarms so you can get through a full cycle of sleep.  

A final step for you is to follow or create a routine. “Often times we try to wake up and go right away,” said Ms. Bauman.  

We recommend having a routine, so people don’t have to rush through in the morning. A good way to start off your day includes having a cup of tea or stretching, to let our bodies feel comfortable for the day.