Summary
Waking up minutes before your alarm is linked to the body’s circadian rhythm. When you follow a regular sleep schedule, your brain prepares the body to wake up by releasing cortisol, allowing you to wake naturally.
Scientists explain that this happens because of the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. When you follow a consistent sleep schedule, your brain learns when to wake up and starts preparing your body in advance.
Shortly before your usual wake-up time, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that increases alertness and helps you wake up naturally. This is why people with regular sleep habits often wake up just minutes before their alarm goes off.
Researchers say this effect is more common when a person:
maintains a consistent sleep schedule
gets enough sleep
experiences low stress levels