New research suggests that forcing yourself to wake at 5am may not boost productivity, offering relief to night owls who struggle with early starts. A study by genetics company 23andMe found that the average person’s genetic wake-up time is 7.55am, rising to 8.19am for those in their thirties and 8.47am for twenty-somethings.
Sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley explains that around 25% of people are strong morning types, 25% are evening types, and the rest fall in between. ‘That’s genetic and there’s nothing you can do about it,’ he says. ‘Yes, you can try to change but you’re going against your genetics so all you’re doing is coping.’
The research also indicates that rising early can cause many to function on autopilot, reducing focus and productivity. Dr Stanley advises that if you feel happy, alert and awake when getting up early, it suits you. But if you feel sleepy or unable to concentrate, it’s not for you.
For those who thrive on early starts, however, the habit can be transformative. Author and presenter Gemma Ray, who rises at 4am, says: ‘Becoming an early riser changed my life completely. It’s my golden time that I crave; time for me away from being a mum and wife.’
