Longevity doctor urges setting an alarm to mark bedtime as well as wake time

A longevity doctor and a sleep expert recommend using an alarm to signal bedtime as well as wake time, citing a one-hour consistent bedtime window as important for circadian rhythm, deep sleep, and overall sleep quality.

A longevity doctor and a sleep health expert are recommending that people set an alarm to mark the start of bedtime as well as the wake time. Dr. Jennifer Timmons says a bedtime alarm, set about an hour before sleep, can prompt a wind-down routine. Dr. Greg Jones describes bedtime as an important daily rhythm linked to longevity. Researchers at the London School of Economics, working with Vitaly, identified consistent bedtime as a key pillar of sleep hygiene. Key points: - Dr. Jennifer Timmons recommends setting an alarm about one hour before planned bedtime to begin winding down and finish evening tasks. - A study by the London School of Economics in partnership with Vitaly identified a consistent bedtime as a key pillar of sleep hygiene. - The article describes a "60 minute bedtime rule," meaning going to bed within the same one-hour window each night supports circadian rhythm stability. - Experts say a predictable bedtime helps coordinate melatonin and cortisol timing, which can make it easier to fall asleep and improve sleep quality. - Deep sleep tends to occur in the early part of the night, and late bedtimes may reduce time spent in deep sleep even if total sleep duration is unchanged. Summary: Keeping a regular bedtime, signaled by a bedtime alarm, is presented as a way to reinforce circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality. Some longevity researchers link consistent sleep timing with longer lifespan. Undetermined at this time.