Sometimes, your alarm is the only thing that can get you out of bed on time. Other times, you may find that you are waking up a few minutes before it goes off.
If you have been eyeing the phone screen before it’s time to officially start the day, a sleep expert has shared what it means and whether you should be worried.
Max Kirsten, Resident Sleep Expert for Panda London, said: “Your body operates on a natural sleep-wake cycle known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is influenced by factors like light exposure, meal timings, and daily routines. Your body has an internal clock that regulates when you feel sleepy and when you naturally wake up.
“If you consistently wake up around the same time every day, your body might start to anticipate waking up at that time, aligning with your circadian rhythm. So, waking up right before your alarm could simply be your body’s internal clock signalling that it’s time to wake up based on your regular sleep schedule.”
Waking up before your alarm could also mean that you’ve completed a sleep cycle and your body is transitioning to a lighter stage of sleep in preparation for waking.
The expert added: “Sleep occurs in cycles, with each cycle consisting of different stages: light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. These cycles typically last around 90 minutes each. Waking up during the lighter stages of sleep makes it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and alert.”
However, waking up earlier than you need to could also be caused by stress or anxiety. Kirsten said: “If you’re worried about oversleeping or have something important planned for the next day, your body might become more alert as you approach your wake-up time, causing you to wake up prematurely. Stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder to stay asleep until your alarm goes off.”
Furthermore, waking up early could be a sign that you need to prioritise getting more sleep to avoid “sleep debt”, which can have negative effects on your health over time, the expert explained.
The good news is that waking up before your alarm is not usually a cause for concern, unless it’s accompanied by other sleep disturbances or if it significantly affects your life.
Kirsten added: “If you find yourself consistently waking up before your alarm and feeling tired during the day, it may be worth adjusting your sleep habits or consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation.”