What time should you wake up? Probably not 5 a.m.

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🔭 The context: A growing social-media trend promotes waking up at 5 a.m. as a shortcut to productivity and success
• Sleep scientists caution that this advice ignores biology, genetics and long-term health, especially for people who are not naturally early risers

🗞️ Driving the news: Sleep experts argue that forcing a 5 a.m. wake-up can worsen sleep deprivation, mood and performance
• Most people are neither early “larks” nor late “owls,” but “bears” whose peak energy comes later in the morning
• Consistency, adequate sleep duration and aligning with one’s chronotype matter far more than waking early

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to higher energy consumption, from increased caffeine use to greater reliance on artificial lighting and climate control
• Healthier sleep patterns can reduce stress-driven consumption, improve productivity without burnout, and support more sustainable lifestyles and work habits over time

⏭️ What’s next: Experts recommend focusing on regular sleep schedules, morning sunlight exposure, reduced evening screen time, and aligning wake-up times with individual biology rather than chasing viral productivity trends

💬 One quote: “If you’re a night owl and try waking up at 5 a.m., you’ll last a week and become self-defeated,” says sleep doctor Michael Breus

📈 One stat: 57% of Americans say they would feel better if they got more sleep, according to Gallup

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