It seems as though many of us are programmed to stay up late and sleep in, but there's a lot to be said for getting up early. You never have to worry about being late for work. You have time to get tasks done before everyone else gets up. You may even be able to have that ever elusive "me" time.

Can you really turn yourself into an early riser if you've always been a night owl? Of course! This will require a little time and effort; any routine is hard to break. But it’s not impossible, and here are some ways to help you become a morning person:

1. Figure out how much sleep you really need - Everyone has a unique number of hours they require to feel their best. Sleep experts agree that the average adult needs between 7 and 9 hours sleep each night for maximum functionality; decide where you fall in this bracket.

2. Start small – If you usually get up at 9am, don’t instantly try to start getting up at 5am! Set your alarm for half an hour earlier, and when that becomes a habit, slowly start setting it earlier.

3. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day – Our bodies love consistency, and this is the best way to get your body into it’s new routine. Good sleep hygiene is vital for your overall health and wellbeing.

4. Use an alarm clock, and leave your phone in another room – It can be easy to grab your phone as soon as you wake up and spend an hour in bed scrolling social media. Buy an old school alarm clock and leave your phone in another room!

Are you an early riser? Share your secrets in the comments!