How can someone wake up better in the mornings?

This question was asked in Alexandria, Kentucky on 07/31/2012.
My son can't wake up with any kind of alarm! He sleeps with several alarms going off. He gets so frustrated with himself. It's affecting his job. Even when he was little, I would have to physically sit him up and shake him to wake him up.

Doctors Answers (2)

Syed Nabi, M.D.
Answered on: 8/9/2012 6

I strongly recommend seeing a sleep specialist. He could be suffeering from delayed sleep phase syndrome, where the body clock is not ready to wake up at the desired time. Also these people have trouble falling asleep at night because the clock is not ready to fall asleep.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 8/1/2012 8

Difficulty arising in the morning is common in children and may last into adulthood. It is often associated with unfortunate timing of sleep stages. The deepest stage of sleep is called Stage N3 or slow wave sleep or delta sleep. It is from this stage that it is most difficult to arouse someone. Stage N3 sleep usually occurs in the first half of the night and our lightest sleep, REM sleep, is most common during the second half of the night. If we awaken from REM sleep we often recall our dreams. Waking up during Stage N3 sleep is often difficult whereas waking up from REM sleep is relatively easy. There are medications which can help alter our stages of sleep. This could help with the problem. A board certified sleep specialist should be consulted. Again, the problem is often temporary and should improve as you son gets older. He can't control what is happening and despite the fact he is frustrated he should not feel guilty.