While early risers are often praised for their productivity, Stephanie Vozza’s experiment of waking up at 5 a.m. for a month did not yield the desired results. Although waking up only 45 minutes earlier than her usual 5:45 a.m., the change was more taxing than anticipated, resulting in fatigue by evening and compromised evening hours with family. Experts suggest that proper sleep, a consistent schedule, and having a compelling reason to wake up are crucial for adjusting wake times. After the month concluded, Vozza returned to her previous routine, feeling more productive.
  

Key Points: 

1. Many believe that early risers are more productive and proactive, but waking up at 5 a.m. was challenging and left the author feeling exhausted by evening.
2. Dr. Damon Raskin explains that waking up earlier can cut into REM sleep, which is vital for feeling refreshed and rested.
3. Shawn Stevenson, an author on sleep, suggests avoiding electronics before bed, engaging in morning exercise, and gradually adjusting wake times for a better transition to earlier mornings.
4. Some early risers, like Jeremy Korst, find early morning to be their most productive period due to fewer distractions.
5. At the end of the experiment, Vozza returned to her usual routine, suggesting that it’s not necessarily about waking up early, but finding a routine that aligns with individual needs.

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/3067784/what-happened-when-i-forced-myself-to-wake-up-at-5-am-every-day-for-a-month