#Cataracts

Waking up before the sun rises might seem like a quirky habit of older relatives, but the science behind this shift in sleep patterns reveals much more than family folklore. New insights from sleep scientists, recently discussed in a HuffPost feature, highlight the intricate relationship between aging, our internal body clock, and environmental cues — shedding light on why so many Thais (and people worldwide) find themselves rising earlier as the candles accumulate on their birthday cakes (HuffPost).

Aging often nudges people to rise before dawn, a shift that goes beyond family jokes. Sleep researchers say it stems from changes in the brain’s internal clock and how environmental cues are read as we grow older. In Thailand, where many people are aging, understanding this pattern is especially important for health and daily life.

As the brain ages, its ability to interpret time signals weakens. Light, meals, social activity, and movement all help regulate the 24-hour cycle of wakefulness and rest. With age, these cues become less effective, nudging older adults toward earlier bedtimes and earlier awakenings. For Thai families, this isn’t just a personal habit; it’s a daily reality that shapes routines and caregiving.