Practice Makes Waking Up From a Sound Sleep Easier
Steve Pavlina offers advice to those who have trouble waking up in the morning. Most people try to use their conscious willpower to get themselves out of bed each morning. However, they are hindered by the fogginess( nebulosidade) typical of having just awoken.
Instead, he suggests leaving it to the subconscious mind, by practicing until immediate waking becomes rote. He suggests practicing getting up as soon as your alarm goes off, not in the morning, but during the day, when you're wide awake.
That means setting up your bedroom to match the appropriate conditions, starting with your typical bedtime rituals (wearing pajamas, brushing your teeth), then setting the alarm a few minutes ahead and getting into a comfortable sleep-like position. When the alarm goes off, turn it off immediately and begin your wake-up habits.
From there, Pavlina suggests practicing this wake-up routine over several days until it becomes so automatic, you can do it without thinking about the steps. Once you establish a wake-up ritual, stick to it every day, especially for the first month.
With enough practice, you will train yourself into having a different physiological response to the sound of your alarm. When your alarm goes off, you'll get up automatically without even thinking about it.
Instead, he suggests leaving it to the subconscious mind, by practicing until immediate waking becomes rote. He suggests practicing getting up as soon as your alarm goes off, not in the morning, but during the day, when you're wide awake.
That means setting up your bedroom to match the appropriate conditions, starting with your typical bedtime rituals (wearing pajamas, brushing your teeth), then setting the alarm a few minutes ahead and getting into a comfortable sleep-like position. When the alarm goes off, turn it off immediately and begin your wake-up habits.
From there, Pavlina suggests practicing this wake-up routine over several days until it becomes so automatic, you can do it without thinking about the steps. Once you establish a wake-up ritual, stick to it every day, especially for the first month.
With enough practice, you will train yourself into having a different physiological response to the sound of your alarm. When your alarm goes off, you'll get up automatically without even thinking about it.
You may also find some benefit in his approach for waking up every morning right on time. Even better for your optimal health than relying on an alarm clock, you may want to implement some of the techniques described in my 33 Secrets to a Good Night's Sleep.
One suggestion: instead of using a loud alarm clock, which is very stressful on the body, you can use an alarm with a special built-in light that gradually increases in intensity, simulating a natural sunrise. It also includes a sunset feature where the light fades to darkness over time -- ideal for anyone who has trouble falling asleep.
The sun alarm is what I used to use for many years and it was FAR better than waking up to a conventional alarm clock. If you can't find them we do have them in our store.
Ideally, though, you will have enough flexibility in your schedule that you will be able to wake up when your body is rested and you will not even need the sun alarm. This is what I now do and about the only time I have to set an alarm is when I am in a different city and have to catch an early morning flight.
If you do have trouble getting out of bed, though, many find that it is ok to fake it until you make it. Just tell yourself in a loud and enthusiastic voice, I feel great, I feel wonderful and I can't wait to start my day. After awhile your brain will catch up with your intentions and your body will actually believe it.
On Vital Votes, Lifestyle Coach Joshua Rubin from