The smart way to beat the winter morning blues
Getting out of bed at this time of year can be really tough. The shortest day is on 22nd December. But as the sunrise only gets earlier by a minute or two each day, it will take until late February before it’s light at 7am. So here’s our five step plan to help. From the best smart home devices, to where to put your alarm, consider it your checklist for a better January.
1. Set up a smart thermostat so it’s warm when you wake up
Using a smart thermostat helps you get the central heating exactly right in your bedroom, which can make it much easier to get up. Unlike a traditional thermostat, they let you programme the precise temperature you’d like the room to be. So can you make it cooler at night, which makes it easier to fall asleep, and warmer in the morning.
Some smart thermostats can also learn how quickly your home warms up and turn the boiler on at just the right time. It’s a bit like pre-heating your oven and is a great way of making sure your bedroom doesn’t overheat, which can make you feel drowsy. Not what you need when you’re already cosy under the covers.
2. Set up some smart lights
Smart home lighting can also help you beat the battle to leave your bed. Our bodies release melatonin when it’s dark to make us sleepy. And serotonin when it’s light to help us feel alert. So it’s much easier to get up when it’s light.
Set up some smart lights in your bedroom and use the smart home app on your phone to set them to come on 15 minutes before you need to get up. Choose a soft blue light, which is found in natural daylight, and it will signal to your brain that it’s daytime.
3. Give yourself something to look forward to
It’s also easier to get out of bed if you focus on something you actually want to do. Instead of what you don’t want to do (get out of bed).
We’re not talking winning the lottery or owning a sports car. But little things that can make your morning a bit more enjoyable. Like using your favourite shower gel. Or stocking up on your favourite cereal.
4. Go to bed earlier
When we’re gripped by Game of Thrones or rushing to get all our work done, going to bed on time is one of the first things that we let slip. But having a regular sleep routine makes it much easier to get up in the morning.
According to The Sleep Council, most healthy adults need 7-9 hours sleep a night. Try and stick to that and you should find your hand reaching for the snooze button a little less. And if you struggle to stick to your new routine, use smart light control to dim your bulbs at 10.30 each evening. It’s an easy way to get a subtle reminder that it’s time to hit the hay.
5. Move your alarm further away
Sometimes the simple ones are the best. Move your alarm to the other side of the room and you’ll have to get out of bed to turn it off. Just try to resist the urge to get back in once it’s stopped beeping.
For more ideas on how Hive’s products can make your life easier, check out Discover Hive.
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