Is there a best time to wake up in the mornings?

The optimal time to wake up in the mornings can vary from person to person. It largely depends on your individual preferences, schedule and unique physiology. While there isn't a specific time that is best for everybody when it comes to waking up, there are some important factors to consider when deciding what time of the day is the most suitable to get out of bed.

Circadian rhythm

The body's internal clock is known as the circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm influences your sleep-wake cycle and affects when you’re most alert and when your energy levels naturally dip throughout the day.

Learning about your unique circadian rhythm can help you decide when is best to wake up and be productive during the day. Waking up and scheduling difficult or challenging tasks during phases of increased alertness can enable you to feel more motivated, refreshed and productive.

Your schedule

Your unique schedule will affect what time is best for you to wake up. If you work a standard 9 to 5 workday, aim for a consistent wake-sleep schedule, even on the weekends. For late-night workers or overnight workers, your wake time will be later in the day to ensure you get the required 7-9 hours of sleep. If you’re a shift worker and your schedule varies, building a sleep schedule will be more challenging and require greater planning. The goal is to still get 7-9 hours but you will often need to shift your bed/wake cycle to accommodate your work schedule. You may need to delay your bedtime to prepare for a night shift.