Why Do I Wake Up Early No Matter What Time I Go to Bed?

Ever had one of those nights where you finally crawl into bed at 1am, dreaming of a glorious lie-in… only to find yourself wide awake at 6:02am, staring at the ceiling wondering? 

Don’t worry! We’ve all been there. 

If you’re waking up early no matter what time you go to bed, you’re not alone. There are actually a few reasons why this happens. And there are also some simple tweaks you can make that could help you squeeze in a bit more. 

Scroll on to find out some of the common reasons you could be waking up early, and solutions to help for each. 

1. Your body clock has a mind of its own 

Your circadian rhythm — aka your internal body clock — runs on a roughly 24-hour cycle and controls when you feel sleepy and when you wake up. 

If you’re naturally a morning person (also known as a morning lark), your body clock might just be hardwired to wake up early — even if you stay up late. Unfortunately, telling it to “just sleep in for once” doesn’t always work. 

What to try: 

Start adjusting your sleep schedule gradually. If you want to sleep in later, begin by shifting your bedtime 15 minutes later every few days, and keep your wake-up time consistent. Avoid bright screens before bed and get sunlight first thing in the morning — it helps reset your body clock. 

2. You’re not Actually Sleeping Well 

If your sleep quality isn’t great — think tossing, turning, overheating, or waking up during the night — you might be clocking 7+ hours in bed, but your body still thinks it’s time to get up early and “try again.” 

Common culprits: 

• An unsupportive mattress or pillow 

• Noise/light disruption 

• Overheating or being too cold 

• Stress or anxiety 

What to try: 

Invest in the basics: a mattress that suits your sleep style, blackout curtains, and breathable bedding. Our range of beds and mattresses is designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep comfortably. 

3. Stress is setting the alarm 

Ever woken up at 5am with your brain already halfway through a to-do list? That’s cortisol (your stress hormone) kicking in. It naturally rises in the early hours — but if you’re stressed or anxious, it can spike earlier and stronger than usual, pulling you out of sleep before you’re ready. 

What to try: 

Wind down before bed with calming rituals — think reading, stretching, herbal tea, or guided meditation. Try not to scroll through emails or news right before bed (we know, easier said than done). 

4. Your sleep window might be too short 

If you go to bed late and still wake up early, you might not be giving your body enough of a chance to wind down and drift into deep sleep. Even if you’re physically in bed, it can take time to switch off — especially if you’re glued to a screen before lights out. 

What to try: 

Create a proper wind-down routine at least 30 minutes before bed. Dim the lights, power down the phone, and give your brain a clear signal that it’s time to switch off. 

5. Age and hormones play a role 

As we get older, we often become lighter sleepers and more likely to wake up early. Hormonal changes (especially during menopause) can also mess with your sleep cycles, making early waking more common. 

What to try: 

Look into natural remedies for hormone-related sleep issues, or chat with your GP if sleep disruptions become regular. In the meantime, make your bedroom as comfortable and restful as possible—cool, dark, and quiet is the goal. 

Waking up early FAQs 

If you still have questions, this section is for you. Explore some popular FAQs relating to the topic of waking up early when all you crave is a lie in below. 

Is it unhealthy to wake up early, even if I went to bed late? 

Not necessarily — but consistently cutting sleep short can affect your mood, focus, and overall health. Ideally, aim for 7–9 hours a night. If you’re waking up too early and feeling tired during the day, it’s worth adjusting your routine. 

Should I just get up if I wake up early? 

If you’re wide awake and can’t fall back asleep after 15–20 minutes, it’s often better to get up and do something relaxing in low light (no screens) until you feel sleepy again. 

Can a bad mattress make me wake up early? 

Absolutely. If your mattress isn’t supporting your body properly, you might be waking up due to discomfort — even if you don’t realise it. Pressure points, overheating, or general wear and tear can all lead to early waking. 

Is waking up early always a bad thing? 

Not at all! If you’re waking up early and feeling well-rested, it’s likely just your natural rhythm. But if you’re waking early and still feeling shattered, that’s a sign something might need adjusting. If you’re worried about your sleeping habits, it’s always best to schedule a check in with your GP. 

Final thoughts 

Waking up early no matter what time you go to bed isn’t always a problem — but if it’s messing with your energy or mood, it’s worth paying attention to. From stress to sleep setup, even small changes can make a big difference. 

And if you suspect your mattress might be part of the problem, we’ve got you. Our range of supportive, breathable, and oh-so-comfy beds and mattresses are designed to help you sleep deeper — and maybe even snooze a little later. 

Need help finding the right one? Pop into your local showroom. Your perfect sleep setup might be closer than you think.