The Sagewell Wellness Library 201 - The Science of Waking Up Well

The first hour after waking is a daily opportunity to shape your entire day. Yet most of us stumble through it on autopilot, reaching for our phones and rushing into reactivity. In 'The Science of Waking Up Well,' award-winning science writer Nadia Ellery Voss distills decades of research from chronobiology, sleep medicine, and behavioral science into a practical, evidence-informed guide. You'll learn why morning light directly impacts your alertness and mood, how the timing of your first sip of water or coffee matters more than you think, and simple cognitive techniques that shift you from reactive to intentional. This book is not about rigid 5 a.m. routines—it's about understanding the biological and psychological levers you can pull in those first 60 minutes. Whether you're a night owl, a parent with unpredictable mornings, or someone who simply wants to start each day with greater ease, Voss offers adaptable strategies grounded in mainstream science. No hype, no pseudoscience—just clear, actionable steps to own your morning and, ultimately, your whole day. Part of The Sagewell Wellness Library. About the author Nadia Ellery Voss writes for The Sagewell Wellness Library.