A neurologist has suggested a simple 15-minute rule to help people who struggle with waking up early. Dr Wendy Suzuki, a professor at the New York University Centre for Neural Science, claims that gradually adjusting bedtime can shift the body's internal clock and make mornings less difficult.
In a TikTok video, Dr Suzuki explained that while genetics influence whether someone is a night owl or an early bird, sleep style is not fixed. She recommended gradually adjusting bedtime by 15 minutes each night, getting plenty of morning sunlight, and maintaining consistency even on weekends.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, changing sleep schedule by 15 minutes each night is a gradual method that helps the body adapt without causing excessive tiredness. This approach can reset the body clock and make waking up easier over time.
Research indicates that determining one's natural sleep chronotype involves noting when one feels tired and wakes up naturally. Night owls typically struggle with early mornings, while early birds find it easier to function during standard daytime hours.
Studies have shown that early birds tend to have better social support and increased mindfulness. Dr Suzuki emphasised that making small, regular changes is key to shifting sleep patterns, rather than drastic alterations.
