It’s 7 AM on a Monday morning here in the US, and I’m already up and at ’em, which, if you know me, is a relatively new development. For years, I was the undisputed king of hitting the snooze button, someone who considered 9 AM an early start. But lately, things have shifted dramatically.
So, what time do I go to bed and wake up these days? Well, brace yourselves, because it’s a far cry from my old habits. I’ve been consistently going to bed around 9 PM. Yes, you read that right – 9 PM! It might sound incredibly early to some, maybe even a little boring, but it’s been a game-changer for me. This early bedtime is driven by my current wake-up routine, which has me popping out of bed, well, not exactly popping, but definitely being awake, between 4 and 5 AM.
Now, before you picture me springing out of bed like a gazelle at the crack of dawn, let me clarify something crucial. While I am undeniably awake between 4 and 5 AM, I don’t actually get out of bed until around 7 AM. There’s a significant difference. Those two to three hours between being awake and physically getting up are incredibly precious to me. They’re not filled with restless tossing and turning, but rather with a quiet, internal unfolding.
This period of “waking up in bed” has become my sanctuary. It’s when I do my most valuable thinking, planning, and often, my most creative work. Without the distractions of emails, social media, or even the gentle nudges of daily life, my mind feels incredibly clear and unburdened. I might listen to a podcast, jot down thoughts in a journal, or simply lie there, allowing my mind to wander and connect disparate ideas. It’s a time for reflection, for setting intentions for the day, and sometimes, just for enjoying the peaceful quiet before the rest of the world starts to stir.
I’ve truly transformed into a morning person, something I honestly never thought would happen. For years, I envied those who claimed to thrive in the early hours, always believing I was inherently a night owl. But a combination of factors, including a desire for more productive hours in my day and a gradual shift in my internal clock, led me to experiment with earlier bedtimes and wake-up times. The initial days were, predictably, a struggle. My body resisted, and my mind felt groggy. But I persevered, slowly adjusting my sleep schedule by 15-minute increments until I landed on this current routine.
The benefits have been profound. My energy levels throughout the day are more consistent, I feel less rushed, and I’ve reclaimed a significant chunk of time that I used to waste. That early morning stillness provides a calm start that sets the tone for the entire day. I feel more in control, more focused, and surprisingly, more relaxed. It’s a testament to the power of routine and the incredible adaptability of the human body.
So, while my 9 PM bedtime might still raise a few eyebrows, and my 4 or 5 AM internal wake-up call might sound extreme, it’s a rhythm that truly works for me right now. And those two hours of quiet contemplation in bed before I officially start my day? They’re non-negotiable. They’re my secret weapon for navigating the day ahead with clarity and purpose.
