How healthy is the habit of waking up at 5 AM? Experts have shared insights on who should avoid this trendy practice, as reported by Tengri Life referencing HuffPost.
Many celebrities, influencers, and highly successful individuals, from Oprah Winfrey to Tim Cook of Apple, claim they wake up very early and dedicate the morning to themselves. Numerous individuals post their morning rituals on social media, and leadership expert Robin Sharma wrote about this strategy in his bestselling book titled "The 5 AM Club."
However, waking up early can be quite challenging for some people, particularly those with young children or those who work irregular or overtime hours.
The rise-and-grind lifestyle, or hustle culture, is undoubtedly popular, but is it really beneficial? Experts argue that anything achieved through struggle and suffering is not healthy.
Psychologists recommend considering your individual circumstances before participating in this trend.
According to Michael Leiter, an organizational psychologist and co-author of the book "The Burnout Challenge," a typical person's day is divided into work, rest, and sleep.
"It's not a simple little equation. If you're stealing sleep from yourself to engage in something enjoyable or to spend time with people you truly love, you're gaining something but losing the physical and psychological recovery that occurs when you get a good night's sleep," Leiter states.
Ultimately, exhaustion can lead to depression, which may cause you to withdraw from social interactions and activities you once enjoyed.
However, if you still wish to join the so-called "5 AM Club," sleep expert James Maas recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep and maintaining a consistent schedule each day. For those who wake up due to a child or a trip to the bathroom, Maas suggests planning for extra time to accommodate these interruptions.
Resting in the middle of the day replenishes physical and mental energy, according to Maas. However, he advises limiting your midday siesta to 30 minutes or less.
Making a slight adjustment to your sleep schedule each day until you reach 5 AM can make the transition less shocking for your body and mind, helping you avoid feelings of fatigue. On days when you feel sluggish, resist the urge to consume caffeine, which can disrupt your sleep routine.
"The time on the clock doesn’t matter. If you’re sacrificing healthy habits like sleep to be more productive at a certain time of day but then struggle, it might not be worth it. It's not just about 5 AM; what matters is being mindful about how you use your time," says Sanders, author of "The 5 AM Miracle."
Experts are confident that the benefits of the "5 AM Club" can be found at any time of day if desired.
