Waking up at dawn is traditionally considered a sign of discipline and a guarantee of success. However, modern research shows that getting up early is not for everyone and in some cases can even be harmful to your health.
As experts report, citing international medical research, a forced change in the natural sleep pattern can cause long-term stress for the body. This is especially true for people with an evening chronotype, the so-called "owls", for whom early awakening contradicts natural biological processes.
Experts explain that a person's internal biological clock is shaped not only by habits, but also by genetics. According to scientists, almost half of the peculiarities of sleep patterns are determined by hereditary factors. That is why attempts to drastically change one's chronotype often lead to constant fatigue, decreased concentration, and a weakened immune system.
The structure of sleep plays a special role. The most important phase, REM sleep, during which the brain processes emotions and information, usually occurs in the last hours before natural awakening. A sharp alarm can interrupt this process, causing a feeling of exhaustion even after a sufficient number of hours of sleep.
Doctors warn that prolonged sleep deprivation and living contrary to one's own biorhythms increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression. In addition to psychological consequences, metabolism is disrupted, which can contribute to the appearance of excess weight, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
At the same time, experts emphasize that if necessary, the regime should be changed gradually. It is recommended to shift the time of getting up by no more than 10–15 minutes daily, stick to a stable schedule even on weekends, and limit the use of gadgets before bedtime. Another important factor in adaptation is natural morning light, which helps the body to gently adjust.
Doctors emphasize that there is no universal ideal time for waking up. The best regime is the one that meets the individual characteristics of the body and ensures full recovery.
