As well as making getting to sleep a little trickier, sleep apnea can make waking up a daunting task. Although you may feel the overwhelming urge to stay in bed when your alarm rings, it is important that you learn to get up in the morning. As well as ensuring that you are on time for work or whatever it is you are up to that day, sticking to the same wake-up time every day will help you to maintain good sleep hygiene and control your sleep apnea symptoms. To help you out, we’ve put together a few tips for learning to love your mornings:

1. Place your alarm far from your bed

While you may feel that an extra ten minutes or so in bed will do you good, the snooze button will not make you feel any less tired. By placing your alarm on the other side of the room, you will be forced to get out of bed and get on with your morning, rather than hitting the tempting snooze button.

2. Face the light

Open your blinds or curtains as soon as you are awake or, if it is still dark, turn on your lights. This will help you to feel alert as quickly as possible.

3. Plan a morning treat

Getting up is much easier if there is something pleasurable to wake up for. Whether this means making yourself a delicious breakfast or going for an early morning stroll, stick a fun morning activity in your diary and stick to it.

4. Make time for some morning exercise

Exercising in the morning can make you feel more alert by boosting your nervous system. It will also help you to fall asleep more easily at bedtime. Whether you’re an exercise rookie or a hardened runner, there are plenty of activities out there to suit all ages and abilities.

5. Eat breakfast

Many people find that they don’t have much of an appetite in the morning. If this applies to you, try to eat a small breakfast anyway. Even a small bowl of berries or a piece of toast will give you the energy boost you need to get going in the morning, as well as improving focus and concentration.