…Before catching up on emails, checking the news and scheduling the day ahead.

What time do you wake up in the morning? According to the latest study from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, one in three (35.2%) Brits who consider themselves as ‘successful’ wake up at 5.30am, with a further 37.4% stating that they get just 6.5 hours sleep a night.

The study of 2,000 UK professionals found that only 13.9% of Brits get the recommend eight hours of sleep per night, with one in 10 (12.5%) even admitting that they wake up as early as 4.30am every day. The study went on to ask respondents what they like to do with their time before work, with a successful person’s morning routine including the following:

1. Catching up on emails (42.5%)

2. Reading the latest news (32.1%)

3. Scheduling the day ahead (31.1%)

4. Spending time with loved ones (23%)

5. Checking social media (21.5%)

6. Walking the dog (12%)

7. Working out (11.2%)

8. Networking over coffee (10.8%)

9. Texting their partner (7.9%)

10. Meditating (6.6%)

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library comments:

“Let’s face it – not everyone can be a morning person – and for some people, the prospect of doing anything but eating your breakfast before work can seem a bit much. However, our research suggests that ‘successful’ people tend to wake up earlier, despite getting less than the recommended amount of sleep.

“Naturally, you’re going to pack a lot more into your day if you make the most of the early hours, but only if you’re fully awake and ready to be productive. Tasks like working out or meditating can set you up for a great day ahead, but there’s no use trying to start a routine that’s not sustainable in the long run.”

Interestingly, over half (53.3%) of Brits think that waking up early doesn’t actually benefit your career. However, 56.7% of 18-24 year olds think it is beneficial, with three-quarters (70.6%) believing that it makes them more alert and 67.7% stating that it allows them to get ahead with their work.

Alongside this, the younger generation are most likely to get a solid 7.5 hours sleep per night (36.7%), while 55-64 year olds most commonly get 6.5 hours sleep.

Biggins continues:

“Getting the right amount of sleep can help you to stay healthy, alert and ready to tackle the day ahead. You’ll naturally feel happier, stay calm under pressure and forge positive relationships in the workplace. If you’re thinking of shaking up your routine, make sure you’re waking up early for the right reasons; if you’re doing it to crack on with your work before the day has even begun this might be counter-productive and could suggest it’s time to find a new job altogether!”