People ask me all the time: “How do you wake up at 4:00 AM every single day?” The short answer? I don’t really have a choice. The long answer? Well, let’s dive into that.
Waking up before the crack of dawn wasn’t always my thing, but it became my reality when our kids were little. I didn’t want to miss time with them while they were awake, but I also didn’t want to give up my workouts. So, I did what any sleep-loving, rational human would do—I started setting my alarm for an absurd hour so I could fit it all in. Now, years later, it’s less of a conscious decision and more of a deeply ingrained habit. Is it my favorite thing? Absolutely not. But it’s what I know, and somehow, it works.
How It All Started
- When our kids were babies, I realized that if I waited until after they woke up to work out, it just wasn’t happening.
- I didn’t want to miss the small moments with them in the morning, so I decided to start waking up extra early.
- My morning routine went like this:
- Wake up at 4:00 AM.
- Get my workout in.
- Emily would then head to the gym while I handled breakfast and morning chaos.
- By the time she got home, we’d tag-team the morning routine and start the day.
And just like that, 4:00 AM became my thing. Not by choice, but out of necessity.
How I Actually Make It Work
Look, waking up at 4:00 AM isn’t some superhero move—it’s just a system. Here’s what keeps me from completely falling apart:
1. Going to Bed at a Decent Hour
- If I’m not asleep by 9:00 PM, the next day is a disaster.
- Our whole family has a pretty structured sleep schedule, so it makes it easier to stick to a routine.
- I treat sleep like a priority, not an afterthought.
2. Keeping a Good Schedule for the Kids
- Our kids have always had solid bedtime routines, which means we aren’t battling sleep struggles every night.
- The house is quiet by 8:30 PM, which gives me time to wind down.
- A predictable nighttime routine makes waking up early a whole lot easier.
3. Tricks for Better Sleep
If you want to wake up feeling somewhat functional (and not like you got hit by a truck), here are some key things that help:
- No screens at least 30 minutes before bed. Blue light = sleep killer.
- Consistent bedtime. Your body likes routine.
- Cool, dark bedroom. I’m basically a sleep vampire—I need blackout curtains and a chilly room.
- No caffeine late in the day. I love a good afternoon caffeine boost, but I cut it off by 2:00 PM.
- A solid wind-down routine. Reading, stretching, or anything relaxing signals my body that it’s time to shut down.
Being an Example to the Kids
One of the biggest reasons I stick to this routine (besides basic survival) is because I want my kids to see the value of:
- Healthy sleep habits – Sleep isn’t optional. It’s a game-changer for energy, mood, and overall health.
- A strong morning routine – Starting the day with structure sets the tone for everything else.
- Commitment to fitness – If I can show them that prioritizing health is important, maybe they’ll carry that with them as they grow up.
Is Waking Up at 4:00 AM Fun? Absolutely Not.
Let’s be real—waking up before the sun isn’t glamorous. There’s nothing magical about dragging yourself out of bed when it’s still pitch black outside. But for me, it’s not about loving it—it’s about making it work for our family.
- It lets me get my workout in without missing family time.
- It gives Emily and me a chance to both prioritize fitness.
- It keeps our mornings running smoothly (well, as smoothly as possible with kids).
It’s not my favorite thing, but after all these years, it’s just part of who I am now. So if you ever wonder how I do it—it’s not some crazy willpower move. It’s just habit, structure, and a whole lot of sleep discipline.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get to bed. It’s almost 9:00 PM, and 4:00 AM comes fast.
