More Energy

[PrISM]

I'm just looking for any kinds of tips or suggestions anyone might have for perking myself up and feeling more energized throughout the day. I wake up at around 5:30AM every morning to be into work by 6:30. Normally I try to hit the sack somewhere between 9:30-10:00PM, although sometimes I'll be crawling into bed closer to 9. Every morning I'm dragging ass. I'm dragging ass from getting out of bed, getting ready, on my drive to work (which is a death sentence on the DC beltway!) and for the first few hours at work. By 7-8PM I'm nodding my head on the couch and falling asleep.

Some info notes: I'm pretty consistent with my workout schedule; anywhere from 3-4 times per week of lifting in the afternoon straight after work. My diet is a roller coaster with clean weeks and not so clean weeks. I really don't take any supplements other than whey/casein protein blend after I train. I've noticed that it's been taking me longer to fall asleep nowadays than I used to. Most nights I'll toss and turn for upwards of an hour before falling asleep and I never remember it taking that long.

I'll assume diet MAY have something to do with it, since diet seems to have something to do with everything. Anyone have any other suggestions or advice? Maybe I just need a new mattress?

 

[spicypumpkin]

Making sure you're getting enough sleep is a good idea. Some people need more than others. If you're ready to fall asleep around 8:00 then maybe your body is trying to tell you something.

Keeping a strict sleep schedule is also a good thing. Wake up at the same time on the weekends. Even though it feels good to sleep in, it will do you more harm than good. If you have to get up at 5:30 on the weekdays then get up at 5:30 on the weekends.

If it's dark out when you wake up then that could be a contributing factor to your sleepiness in the morning. Invest in some natural light bulbs for your bedroom. They may help you wake up faster if you don't have the real sunlight to do it for you.