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Nine Ways to Become a Morning Person

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Nancy Collop

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5. Smart Snacks: Don't eat large meals late at night--but small snacks before bed are sometimes helpful, says Collop. Foods containing the amino acid tryptophan such as turkey and milk may help. Avoid alcohol. Although it induces sleepiness, once the effect wears off, booze interferes with sleep.

6. Curb the Caffeine: Don't rely on coffee. Small amounts can help in the morning, but night owls shouldn't drink coffee in the afternoon.

7. Wind Down, Not Up: Don't exercise near bedtime, as exercise raises the body temperature and can interfere with sleep.

8. Get Help: Consult a sleep specialist if you're having trouble getting into a sleep routine. And persistent sleepiness despite a good night's sleep may be a sign of a serious sleep disorder or other health condition

9. Don't Be Hard on Yourself: Morning slowness doesn't mean you are lazy or apathetic about your day. Night-owl tendencies are estimated to be at least 50 percent genetic in origin, says Steven Brown, a sleep exert at the University of Zurich. You may find rising early a struggle for much of your life. But even night owls often naturally shift toward earlier bedtimes and rising as they age, typically after 60.

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Member Comments

Posted By: Lola-in Florida @ 11/27/2008 8:00:25 PM

I can relate. Same problem with me, except I usually go to sleep around 3:00 or 3:30 am and wake about 10:00 or 11:00 am. I took bendaryl to sleep all through college. Now I work second shift at a Mental Health Center. I've had opportunities to make more money in a position on day shift. I am so miserable when I have to be to work on days, that I chose happiness over increased income. I wish I'd have trained to do something else, because with today's economy I'm barely able to make ends meet. Paula in Florida
Posted By: hendrika @ 07/15/2008 11:35:40 PM

I cqn relate to what so many of you have written -- I've had delated sleep my entire life. College was a struggle, and over the years I have developed several of the problems linked to the sleep issue. It has caused health, social, and career problems. Also, I believe it has affected my mood. I often think back to my days working rotating shifts at a factory, punching a time clock. Day shift wasexcruciating beyond words, but when graveyard rolled around, I was like a different person: calm, cheerful, productive. Ran twice a day, too. I honestly feel my sleep problem has ruined my life. There is not enough help/support for us. Geez, I'd been happy if I could just get doctors' offices and others to quit calling me at 8 am. -- can't they put a little note in my records that I'm a night worker???
Posted By: hendrika @ 07/15/2008 11:28:59 PM

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