Extreme early birds

Advanced sleep phase, which entails going to bed very early and rising very early, affects 1 in 300 people.

Extreme early birds
Extreme early birds

Main titles

  • 1 in 300 people thrive on going to bed very early and getting up at 4 a.m
  • Many people affected with advanced sleep phase share the genetic trait with family members.
  • Advanced sleep phase means that the body's circadian rhythm operates earlier than other people's. There is a premature release of the sleep hormone melatonin and body temperature also shifts prematurely.

“While most people struggle with getting out of bed at 4 or 5 a.m., people with advanced sleep phase wake up naturally at this time, rested and ready to take on the day. These extreme early birds tend to function well in the daytime but may have trouble staying awake for social commitments in the evening.” - Louis Ptacek, MD.

Study: University of California San Francisco