Sleeping early and getting up early has numerous health benefits, and definitely makes one healthy. A healthy person can make better decisions in worldly matters, hence be more successful. Celina (not real name), a young university student, used to wake up by 6am in the morning, take a short run and then would start her day. She consulted me to learn about yoga and her first question was, “Doctor, I love the ambience of early morning; how can I start waking more early?” Nature has devised the routine of man such that day is meant for working and night for sleeping. Therefore, an average person starts feeling tired as evening approaches. In the night time, vision is not clear as in the day. But not all people respect such a routine. For some people, staying up late is unavoidable such as for those who work in night shifts in factories, hospitals and security services. For some it is the best time to study. But apart from these kinds of people, some simply sleep late after wasting their time on internet or watching movies or in pubs. Because they sleep late, they tend to get up late. They do not feel fresh because a man may sleep the whole day but would not feel as fresh as after a good night’s sleep. A person waking late is more likely to miss breakfast. If he takes a late breakfast, he would skip lunch. Thus the overall intake of food is affected, compromising on the nutritional status of a person. This becomes more significant for teenagers because they mostly sleep late due to various activities. Their growing body is more in need of nutrients, which is not fulfilled due to not getting up early. Apart from the nutrition, bowel habits of an individual are also disturbed due to an altered sleep-wake cycle, hence reducing appetite and causing abdominal discomfort. A person getting up late mostly becomes late for his work. If under duress, he does maintain time, he feels somnolent throughout the day. This affects his performance in work. In contrast, an early riser feels fresh throughout the day, eats well and performs well in his work. Thus mostly he stays ahead of his peers in whichever field he may be working. Sunlight is a source of energy for the body. It also supplies vitamin D to strengthen the bones. Infrared rays of the sun kill germs. One does not need any artificial light while working in the day. Moreover, the early morning sun is very pleasant. It does not feel harsh to the body as the afternoon sun. One can exercise as much as he desires in the morning. A late riser misses these benefits of sunlight. Nature is at its best in the morning. A good light, birds chirping, animals frolicking around happily, it is as if the entire universe is awake and active. Man also needs to join them. Early morning is also said to be an ideal time for doing something needing concentration as preparing for exams. Because, at this time, the mind is naturally fresh and stimulated and hence can grasp more. People who habitually get up late in the morning should try to get up early one day and move around. They may never feel like sleeping till late in future. The working hours set by Government of Rwanda are appreciable. Starting work early compels people to wake up early, thus maintaining a healthy routine. This automatically keeps people healthy in mind and body.
