Time to ditch the coffee.
If you struggle to feel energized in the morning, recent research offers a natural remedy: exposure to morning sunlight. A study conducted by Japanese scientists has found that allowing sunlight to gradually enter your bedroom about 20 minutes before your wake-up time can significantly improve alertness and reduce that groggy feeling known as sleep inertia.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University suggest that automated curtains programmed to open shortly before waking could be key to achieving a smoother transition from sleep to wakefulness. This method not only supports healthier sleep patterns but also reduces reliance on artificial light sources, promoting energy efficiency and overall wellness.
The study involved 19 participants who were split into three groups. One group experienced curtains opening 20 minutes before waking, another group had curtains that remained open from dawn, and the final group had curtains stay closed until after they woke up. Participants were monitored using brain and heart activity scans, reaction tests, and questionnaires to evaluate their alertness and fatigue levels.
Results revealed that the group exposed to gradual light before waking reported feeling more refreshed and less sleepy compared to the others. However, the study also cautioned that exposing sleepers to light too early or too intensely could lead to more frequent awakenings during the night.
Lead researcher Professor Daisuke Matsushita highlighted the potential of syncing indoor light exposure with natural patterns throughout the year to improve wakefulness. Although the findings are promising, the study was limited by its small sample size, comprising mostly young adults, and further research is needed to confirm these benefits across broader populations.
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