Research shows Brits struggle with mornings, and guess what? 86% are some of you!
A new survey has revealed that 86% of 18-24 year olds struggle to get out of bed in the morning – with 70% reaching straight for the snooze button!
One of the main problems is technology explains Psychotherapist Dr Nick Read:
“The artificial light emitted by mobile or tablet screens can suppress levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, or ‘body clock’.
“Melatonin encourages sleep by activating chemical receptors in the brain, and so if we are exposed to light and the hormone is suppressed, we may find it far harder to drift off to sleep.”
Oopsy, looks like some of you are ‘getting into bed’ with technology…literally. 83% of 18-24 year old’s admitted to using a tablet or mobile device to text, email or read just before going to sleep.
“Sleep should be a time for ‘switching off’ in every sense – so I would advise people to either refrain from using tablets and mobiles just before going to sleep – or at least dim the backlight on devices. This will give your mind a better chance of winding down, so that you wake up relaxed, refreshed and ready for the day ahead!” says Dr Read
On average 18-24 year olds spend 13 minutes in bed after waking – 57% immediately check their mobile phone for new text messages (surprise, surprise)whilst 7% read a book or newspaper.
Although two-thirds of Britain’s young population admit to ‘dithering’ in the morning, all hope is not lost! In fact with Yakult’s new launch of the Brighter Starts hub, the nation appears to be waking up to the idea of making their start to the day count!
The hub offers budding morning troopers a wealth of hints, tips, exercises, brainteasers, interactive quizzes, the chance to receive free personalised advice, plus exclusive breakfast recipes.
Brighter Starts top tips include:
- If the sun’s shining, pack yourself a picnic breakfast; sit in your garden or the park and watch the sun come up before heading off to school, college, Uni, work or starting your daily tasks.
- Invest in a ‘light alarm’, which will give you a gentle start to the day. As the light intensifies, take the time to think about the day ahead. Think of sunshine and bright days.
- Try ‘speeding writing’ - clearing your mind for the day by trying to write down as many of your thoughts as quickly as possible. Get vigorous and free your mind!
- Learn a new language – spend ten minutes every morning mastering ten new words.
- Feeling overwhelmed? Make a list of what you need to do each day, including some easily achievable things that can be quickly crossed off.
And the moral of the story is…Morning tiredness just became, like, so OVERRATED!
(Cover photo via weheartit)
