We’ve all heard the advice: “Sleep on it.”
Turns out — there’s real science behind that wisdom.
A study of nearly 50,000 adults published in the British Medical Journal found that we feel our best in the morning — both emotionally and mentally.
Our self-worth and life satisfaction typically peak shortly after waking up.
By contrast, we tend to feel our worst around midnight and after.
Why it matters:
Morning is the best time to think through tough decisions — personal or professional.
Here’s why:
The part of your brain responsible for concentration and focus is most active 2–4 hours after you wake up — around 10AM for most people.
Your communication skills are sharper in the morning, too — making it the ideal time to return calls, write emails, or tackle high-stakes conversations.
And our mental health is typically better on weekends and during the summer — which also makes those times great for reflection and big-picture thinking.
The takeaway:
If you’re facing a big decision, try waiting until the morning — especially on a weekend or summer day.
You may be surprised how much clearer everything becomes.
