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Morning people, how do you manage to wake up early like 5 am as a computer person?

You know that rule "shut down all screens" 1 hour before sleep, but there's always something to watch/to program etc. Have you found the discipline to do it regularly?

How do you deal with the going-out in the evening, if you strive to wake up at that time?

Do you have some interesting/intense routine like running, which was quite common in american movies?

36 comments
  • I notice that when I'm tired, dehydrated, or starving, my mind gets razor sharp and I become hyper focused.

    I used to think that made me think better, but over time I've realised that sharpness =/= smarter.

    Whatever logic I was holding in my head at 2am that I needed to put to screen actually wasn't as amazing as I thought it was, but my tired yet focused brain convinced me that it was genius.

    Once I made that connection, I just started leaving TODOs in my comments of roughly what I was going for, and then go to sleep, reassuring my panicked brain that its "genius" can genuinely wait until morning for a clearer perspective.

    I liken the experience to potheads who reach some half-baked inspiration that they can no longer put to words once cogent. It was never a great idea, it just interested you a lot in that heightened state.

    In short: let go of your ideas. If they're truly amazing they'll still be there in the morning with a fresh pair of eyes.

  • I used to do this when I had a 1.5 hours commute (one way). If you can avoid it, don't do it. The world is not built for people that have to get up at 5 and be in bed by 10. I would run on 6.5 hours of sleep on average and I was constantly exhausted.

    If you're a developer like me, it affects your productivity as well as your health. I would carpool, so I could nod off for a few winks on the way home. Sometimes when I was the one driving. It's bad for you. Don't do it.

    If you must do it, the key is to make it a habit. Go to bed at the same time every night. Give yourself enough time to fall asleep and get a full 7-8 hours. Put away devices. Avoid any caffeine and alcohol after lunch. Get in shape if you can, it will help you sleep better. Avoid spicy foods in the evenings.

    Stick to the schedule even on weekends, or at least don't try to make up for lost sleep then. It doesn't work.

    You can still tinker, but you will have little time except weekends. Write down your ideas during the week and then hit the ground running when you have free time.

    Don't forget to take time for yourself, family and touching some grass. Your computers will always be there. People will not.

  • I had issues with keeping a stable sleep schedule for years, but now I found a method that works for me: every day, set your alarm clock to the same time no matter what (in your case 5 AM) even on weekends. Then, try going to sleep so you always get full 8 hours, if you fuck up and go to sleep too late then tough shit - you'll feel tired tomorrow which will serve as a punishment that your brain will hopefully recognize.

    They key is to be consistent and not sleep in.

  • Alcohol in the evenings, cocaine for breakfast. ;p

    Seriously though, melatonin in the evenings can help you drift off in conjunction with the no screen time. Alarms every 15 minutes in the morning, first one around two hours before clocking in so you got time to hit snooze a couple times and poop and shower, get dressed and still have commute time.

  • I force myself out of bed, stretch, down a glass of water, take my shower, then make an espresso. Each step gives me just enough energy to do the next step, and no more, and the espresso lasts only long enough to get to work and down another coffee.

36 comments