Husband shakes my shoulder urgently. Heart racing—I forgot the alarm. I throw off the covers as Little Man stands by the bed: "Mommy, you're such a sleepyhead." I mutter about him copying his dad, then stumble to the dark walk-in shower and check my phone. Overslept badly this time. Hurry mode activated.
My usual routine—shower, dress, makeup, bathroom, curl hair, breakfast—must be slashed. Rushing feels unnatural since Little Man started school, especially with mornings still pitch-black, like midnight.
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Research in NRC highlights how some naturally rise early while others battle their beds. Genetics play a key role: British and U.S. scientists identified over ten gene variants influencing chronotypes. A 23andMe study in Nature Communications, alongside UK Biobank findings, confirms heredity sways whether you're a lark or owl.
Hard to trace ancestors' habits, but inheritance likely dictates if mornings start cheerfully or sluggishly.
Once Little Man’s asleep and teens tackle homework, friends, or sports, I sink into the sofa for Netflix. Remote in hand, tea sweetened, then that nagging inner voice: "Bedtime soon, or tomorrow's rough." Spot on—Little Man’s early riser. I resist my night-owl urges to wind down earlier.
As a parent and self-confessed evening person, I've honed strategies that work. Here are six evidence-informed tips.
I don't hit snooze—it worsens grogginess. Instead, when it rings, I linger briefly, reading De Telegraaf on my phone for gradual light exposure to ease wakefulness.
Slowly lift covers, breathe deeply. Mind drifts to the day ahead only after. Stretching activates the body from sleep mode.
Opt for eggs or yogurt with fruit—quick vitamins and sustained energy from protein.
Dutch women often check WhatsApp first thing, per studies. Unless urgent, prioritize your routine. Family mornings demand focus.
Tight schedules invite stress. Buffer for mishaps like spilled toothpaste or lost coats—start calm, not chaotic.
Pre-slice bread, gather school/work items in one spot. Eases brain into morning calm.
Last but not least: Trouble falling asleep? Shift bedtime 15 minutes earlier for relaxing reading—eyes droop fast.
Chronotype is 50% genes, 50% environment—like kids. Larks are steady, less frustrated; owls impulsive, thrill-seeking. Evening fun fuels me, aiding next-day function—if not too wired to sleep 😊.
Sound familiar? Share your morning mastery tips.
-x-
Ievy
