The benefits of waking up early extend beyond simply getting more hours in the day. Our bodies are biologically wired to sync up with the sun, with exposure to the morning sun working to regulate our circadian rhythm (The natural cycle of physical, mental, and behaviour changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle).
Waking up with the sun signals our bodies to reduce melatonin production and promotes the production of feel-good hormones, improving both energy levels and mood. Exposure to natural light, especially early in the day, helps reinforce your sleep cycle.
If you are not an early riser try and follow a consistent sleep schedule: Varying your bedtime or morning wake-up time can hinder your body's ability to adjust to a stable rhythm. Keeping a regular sleep schedule—even on weekends—maintains the timing of the body's internal clock and can help you fall asleep and wake up more easily.