Pressed snooze again? Don’t worry – we got the best hacks!

So, you pressed snooze again. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. But wouldn’t it be nice to be the boss of your alarm? To once and for all, take charge of your morning?

I remember the movie “Turner & Hooch” a buddy cop comedy film with Tom Hanks playing a police investigator, Scott Turner, who gets his life shaken up when he is left with his deceased friend’s dog Hooch, whose noisy, destructive nature clashes intensely with Scott’s meticulous routine and lifestyle. If you haven’t seen the movie, it starts with a long scene of Hanks’ character’s careful routine. He is doing a proper workout session, he does not forget to take his vitamins, in fact they are all lined up in a straight line with the supplements bottles organized by color of the label, he has time to sit down for a proper meal, he presses his pants and shine his shoes, and lo and behold, he even do the dishes by hand (!). It’s almost absurd when he starts cleaning the fridge.

He even flosses – your mom would be thrilled, right?

Jokes aside, wouldn’t it be great to feel like you are in control of your morning? Thinking back, I think we all know that a solid routine feels great. A bit boring perhaps, but great nonetheless.

So, where to begin? Waking up refreshed and on time would be a great start don’t you think? At Ceiba Tree, we are very passionate about sleep, and about our carefully designed morning routines, and we have a few hacks to share with you. I can assure you that you will find at least one tip you haven’t heard before.

#1 Sunrise Alarm Clock

Sunrise alarm clocks are designed to mimic the natural light of a sunrise, gradually increasing in intensity over a period of time before your designated wake-up time. This gradual increase in light is thought to be more natural and gentle than a traditional alarm clock, which can jolt you awake with a sudden, loud noise.

One of the main benefits of using a sunrise alarm clock is that it can help to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Our bodies are programmed to respond to changes in light, and the gradual increase in light from a sunrise alarm clock can help to signal to your body that it’s time to start waking up. This can make it easier to wake up feeling rested and alert, rather than groggy and disoriented.

In addition, using a sunrise alarm clock may also help to improve the overall quality of your sleep. Because the light from a sunrise alarm clock is gentle and natural, it is less likely to disrupt your sleep than a traditional alarm clock.

#2 Herbal adaptogens

Adaptogens are a class of herbs and other natural substances that are believed to help the body better cope with physical, mental, and emotional stress. They are thought to do this by regulating various bodily functions, such as the immune system, hormones, and the nervous system. Ashwagandha is one of the most popular and well-studied adaptogens, and it is often used to help improve sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

One of the ways that ashwagandha may improve sleep is by helping to regulate the body’s stress response. When we are stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with sleep. By reducing levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, ashwagandha may help to promote a more relaxed state and make it easier to fall asleep.

Ashwagandha may also help to improve sleep by reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. Many people have trouble sleeping due to racing thoughts or anxiety, and ashwagandha may help to quiet the mind and make it easier to fall asleep. In addition, ashwagandha has been shown to improve overall feelings of well-being, which may also contribute to better sleep.

Finally, ashwagandha may help to improve sleep by supporting the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Many of us struggle to get out of bed in the morning due to a lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep, and ashwagandha may help to support the body’s natural rhythms and make it easier to wake up feeling rested and energized.

In a study, Ashwagandha was specifically evaluated for its ability to improve overall sleep quality in subjects diagnosed with non-restorative sleep, and over six weeks, those who received treatment reported a 72 percent increase in sleep quality (compared with 29 percent in the placebo group).

Overall, there is evidence to suggest that ashwagandha may be helpful for improving sleep and making it easier to get out of bed in the morning. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every person is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or natural remedy to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.

#3 Find something to do in the mornings that gives you a reason to be up – and don’t let it be your job

Here are a few ideas for things you can do in the mornings to give you a reason to be up:

Exercise: Starting your day with some physical activity can help you feel energized and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Meditate or do some deep breathing: Taking a few minutes to focus on your breath and clear your mind can help you feel more calm and centered.

Make breakfast: Taking the time to prepare a healthy breakfast can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you start the day off on a positive note. Oskar loves a batch of banana pancakes, I prefer chia pudding after a glass of fresh celery juice.

Plan your day: Setting some goals for the day and making a to-do list can help you feel organized and focused.

Spend some time outside: Going for a walk or enjoying some time in nature can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find something that works for you and that you enjoy doing. Experiment with different activities and see what feels most energizing and fulfilling for you.

#4 Set your alarm far enough from the bed that you can’t hit snooze.
Or, better yet, disable the snooze feature altogether.

Oskar is the expert on this. When we met, he had an alarm where you had to solve a really challenging math problem in order for the alarm to stop. Not for me, but whatever works for you honey!

One way to set your alarm far enough from your bed so that you can’t hit snooze is to place your alarm clock on the other side of the room. This way, you’ll have to get out of bed to turn it off, which can help you fully wake up and start your day. Another option is to use a smart alarm that requires you to scan a QR code before it will turn off. This can be a good way to prevent yourself from hitting the snooze button and can help you stay awake and alert.

#5 Don’t forget to create a great night routine as well.

A good night routine can help to improve your sleep and make it easier to wake up in the morning in several ways. First, having a consistent bedtime routine can help to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. By going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, you can help to train your body to fall asleep and wake up more easily.

In addition to regulating your body’s sleep-wake cycle, a good night routine can also help to prepare your body and mind for sleep. This can involve activities such as taking a warm bath or shower, dimming the lights, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. These activities can help to relax your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.

A good night routine can also help to create a sleep-friendly environment. This can involve making sure that your bed and bedding are comfortable and conducive to sleep, as well as ensuring that your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. By creating a sleep-friendly environment, you can help to promote better sleep.

Finally, a good night routine can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. By taking time to unwind and relax before bed, you can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

So, there you have it. Five hacks to never press snooze again! It can be hard to change your sleep patterns, so I’d take it slowly. Maybe go to bed 30 minutes earlier every two days until you reach a good bedtime, and wake up at the appropriate time too. I also don’t recommend changing your sleep schedule during the weekend, if you can help it. It’s better to stay consistent than to make your body adjust to a changing schedule. Supplements can support you during that phase.

If you ever have any questions (or if you just want to send us some Tom Hanks nostalgia), shoot us an email. We receive a lot  — and we read every single one. We would love to help you out.

That’s it for now. You will find more content soon on how to continue building a healthy lifestyle.

Talk soon. 
Anna & Oskar