Levels of PER fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the evening and hitting their lowest point at night. When these protein levels drop, so does your blood pressure, leaving you feeling groggy and ready for bed.

Here’s the fascinating part: if you stick to a consistent sleep schedule, your body starts to anticipate your wake-up time. Scientists explain that your body will gradually increase PER levels and release stress hormones about an hour before your alarm is set to ring.

This is why some people wake up just before their alarm. It’s your body’s way of preparing for the jarring experience of being startled awake by the alarm. By increasing PER and stress hormones earlier in the night, your body avoids that sudden shock.

On the flip side, if you don’t wake up naturally, the alarm can jolt you awake, stressing your system.

For a good night’s rest, the NHS recommends adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, while children need around nine to thirteen.

So, if you want to join the ranks of those who wake up without an alarm, consistency is key. By sticking to a regular sleep schedule, you might just find yourself waking up refreshed—and a few minutes ahead of the alarm.