How to Wake Up Feeling Totally Alert?

[frogcat]

Hi,
I just read Steve Pavlina's post on How to Wake Up Feeling Totally Alert

In it, he says that diet and sleep are intertwined, "Two and a half years of feedback from readers attempting to become early risers has taught me it’s almost a rule that waking up groggy and eating a crappy diet go hand in hand. "

I'm curious to hear from the readers of this forum, have you noticed any link between diet and sleep? I'm especially curious to hear from those people who have experienced something along the lines of "I eat crappy food, and I've still been able to wake up easily" or alternatively, "I changed my diet, but didn't notice any change on my energy level"

[martin]

I turned into a vegan a few months ago, and I eat a very strict healthy diet and I can't say I see a huge difference... maybe I just didn't notice it. Try it out for yourself.

[absvan]

Diet and life style definitely makes a difference but that doesnt mean you have be a vegan. You just have need to have a balanced diet.

Also, doing breathing exercises in the morning almost guarantee you a energy boost.

[Dbarker]

I changed to a vegan diet 6 months ago and have noticed a bit of a positive change in energy. I do notice that I wake up easier, but I think that was more psychological than physiological. I do have more energy throughout the day, however. I do still need to eat a better diet and maybe that will give me more energy.

[Brigid]

Originally Posted by frogcat

Hi,
I just read Steve Pavlina's post on How to Wake Up Feeling Totally Alert

In it, he says that diet and sleep are intertwined, "Two and a half years of feedback from readers attempting to become early risers has taught me it’s almost a rule that waking up groggy and eating a crappy diet go hand in hand. "

I'm curious to hear from the readers of this forum, have you noticed any link between diet and sleep? I'm especially curious to hear from those people who have experienced something along the lines of "I eat crappy food, and I've still been able to wake up easily" or alternatively, "I changed my diet, but didn't notice any change on my energy level"

I would say that what Steve says is very likely true for many people.
There is a definite physiological link between diet and sleep.
There is also a definite psychological link between diet and sleep.
If you are perfectly happy as you are with your diet and your sleep - wake pattern, stay that way!!
If you think you might need some fine tuning, heed Steve's advice and do some more research on it for yourself.
There is scads of helpful hints and suggestions out there.
Above all, keep your new plan simple, let the experiment run for at least 8 -12 weeks, and keep a journal.

Onward

[Ilya]

I'd say that the diet may be a factor, especially if you believe that it should be
But I find that using diet to achieve a state of alert awakening is a very indirect way.
I ate crappy food and was able o wake up alert.
I ate great food and sometimes woke up groggy.
But whatever the effect the diet had on my morning alertness, it was negligeble to an effect of three second wake-up routine I've taught myself. It always brings me into a fully alert state from any condition I wake up at. I don't mind to wake up groggy as long as I can always do something about it within seconds.

[SKiernan]

While I really hope diet doesn't play a huge role with ones sleeping patterns, deep down I reluctantly suspect it will for most people. I love my current diet and do not want to change it I've begun my own experiment to start waking up super early, and diet is definitely one aspect of my lifestyle I'll be examining to determine its influence on my energy levels over the next few weeks. I'll be reporting my progress in my blog below and with a bit of luck I'll join the ranks of the elite who shun those cosy morning snoozes

[frogcat]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I'm not really wanting to make major diet changes, because I really really feel that eating good tasty food is a very important part of life. Even though that might mean a bowl of peppermint ice cream in the evening... But I'm wanting to come up with a durable exercise plan, and have been considering waking up early to accomplish it.

This morning was another example of "wanting" to get up early, but then getting up at the usual time.

Sure, there was a ready excuse of waking up throughout the night because my 1-year old was crying, but when my alarm went off at 5:30, I realized that I was more motivated to spend time with my family in the morning than to go off and exercise and "do my own thing"

I think it boils down to motivation more than anything. What do I want to sacrifice in exchange for something else I desire? Do I want to sacrifice morning family time in exchange for fitness? Can I sacrifice my lunch hour instead? Lots to think about...

[Ree]

Originally Posted by frogcat

Thanks for the feedback so far. I'm not really wanting to make major diet changes, because I really really feel that eating good tasty food is a very important part of life. Even though that might mean a bowl of peppermint ice cream in the evening... But I'm wanting to come up with a durable exercise plan, and have been considering waking up early to accomplish it.

This morning was another example of "wanting" to get up early, but then getting up at the usual time.

Sure, there was a ready excuse of waking up throughout the night because my 1-year old was crying, but when my alarm went off at 5:30, I realized that I was more motivated to spend time with my family in the morning than to go off and exercise and "do my own thing"

I think it boils down to motivation more than anything. What do I want to sacrifice in exchange for something else I desire? Do I want to sacrifice morning family time in exchange for fitness? Can I sacrifice my lunch hour instead? Lots to think about...

Or you could get one of those baby strollers for joggers and take your 1-year old along! The activity and the fresh air might help her sleep as well

[Master X]

Have someone throw freezing water on you

[flyer]

If I exercise before I go to sleep, I feel fully alert in the morning. Have no idea about importance of diet.