Waking up is hard to do. No matter how many times that alarm goes off, sometimes it just seems impossible to roll out of bed in the morning.

Many of us are so used to the idea of miserable mornings that we assume there’s no other way. While it turns out there are some pretty good scientific reasons for our early morning sleepies, there are also lots of ways to tackle the problem and help you wake up feeling rested and ready for the day. An amazing mattress is a good place to start, but if you’re serious about learning how to rise and shine with a smile on your face, these tips and tricks should help you out.

Why Waking Up Is So Hard

It all comes down to sleep cycles. Every night, we experience cycles of sleep, during which we move through deeper and deeper sleep stages of rest until we reach REM (or Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. It’s during those periods of REM sleep that we dream and get our best rest.

Most people go through about four to six of these cycles every night, and each cycle typically lasts about 90 minutes. But when we wake up in the middle of one of these cycles or get less than four cycles worth of sleep, that’s when the trouble arises. Waking up in the middle of our deepest sleep phases or getting fewer than four full sleep cycles can leave you feeling groggy all day, and can certainly make waking up difficult.

Everyone’s nightly rhythms are different though, and if you’re consistently tired even after seven and a half hours of deep sleep, it could be that your sleep cycles vary from these typical standards. For example, if your sleep cycles are a bit longer than 90 minutes or your body prefers six or seven cycles per night, following conventional sleep cycle wisdom will leave you groggy and tired every time.

So, part of the reason you feel like a zombie on weekday mornings might just be the way you’re built, but luckily there are things you can do to take back your sleep schedule. Outside stimuli like light, exercise, stress, food, and simple force of habit can all affect your internal clock. With a few adjustments to your daily routine and sleeping space, even the groggiest mornings risers can get a fresh start on their sleep.

How to Wake Up More Easily

Don’t get us wrong, it will be a challenge, but with some dedication and a few adjustments to your routine, you can improve your morning mood and increase your productivity. Of course, the first step to improving your sleep habits is going to be getting a mattress you can trust, and if you’re having trouble sleeping, Sealy is the first place you should turn.

Sealy mattresses are the ultimate in comfort and support, so you can sleep soundly and wake up feeling rested every time. Sealy also offers mattresses with its unique Posturepedic technology, so you can always find options that support your body, improve your sleep, and keep you comfortable.

1) Get a Bed with Bounce

Sometimes it’s the simplest solutions that do the trick! When your mattress feels more like a headlock than a gentle hug, it’s probably time for a new one. Super soft mattresses with a lot of give might seem extra cozy, but they can be difficult to get out of in the morning, and mattresses that are TOO soft can even misalign your back.

Instead of fighting the urge to sink back into your bed’s embrace, try a Sealy mattress with Posturepedic innerspring. It has support where you need it, plus plenty of bounce. That way, you can get out of bed easily, and start your day with a spring in your step!

2) Keep Consistent

When it comes to improving your sleep habits, routine is everything. Things like going to bed at the same time every night, getting up at the same time every morning, and implementing calming habits around bedtime can make it much easier to wake up. That means no more sleeping in on the weekends! If you set your alarm for the same time every single day, getting up on Monday morning will be way easier, and eventually you’ll lose the temptation to hit that snooze button.

3) Sleep More Deeply

Easier said than done of course, but getting a better quality of rest each night will eventually lead to you feeling well-rested on smaller quantities of sleep. Sleeping more deeply can mean anything from blocking out the windows so you aren’t disturbed by early morning light, or putting your phone across the room, or wearing ear plugs. Sound and light can cause tiny interruptions in your sleep that you might not remember, but you’ll definitely feel the next morning.

Your mattress could also be the cause of a crummy night of sleep. If your mattress isn’t giving you the support you need, you’re going to be waking up with aches, pains, and dead arms every night. Of course you’re gonna feel miserable in the mornings! If an uncomfortable bed is the problem, a Sealy mattress combining memory and gel foams can make all the difference by minimizing pressure on the neck, shoulder, and hips, giving you a deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

4) Stay Motivated

Give yourself a reason to keep at it! Maybe you want to run around the block or hit the gym before work. Or maybe you’d like to start journaling or drawing or practising an instrument before the kids wake up. The mornings are a great time to focus on yourself and your hobbies without any distractions! So, figure out how you’d like to make the most of that extra time and stick to your commitment. Having a reason to push through that morning grog can be a great motivator!

If you’re looking for a new lease on your mornings, these tips will help you wake up energized and stay alert throughout the day. With a mattress from Sealy, you’ll have the energy you need to be more productive and stop sleeping through your alarms. For answers to all your sleep questions and more information on what a Sealy mattress can do for you, come on down to our store. Our associates will be happy to give you all the support you need!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert