What do people usually do when they wake up at 5:00 am?
Last Updated: 02.07.2025 18:08
I am a professional options trader. I live on the West Coast, so the stock market opens at 6:30 Pacific time. My alarm goes off at 6:15, although I am usually somewhat awake by that time, and I am in front of my computer when the opening bell goes off.
If I didn’t enjoy what I do, I’d probably hate getting up so early. But since the opposite is true, early rising has become a pleasant habit.
And the cat knows when it’s time to get up and have breakfast. He reminds me on those rare occasions when I try to grab an extra ten minutes after the alarm goes off.
I am in bed by about 9:30. I listen to audiobooks on my earbuds. They put me to sleep within about 15 minutes.
I have never been someone who enjoyed getting up early. If left to my own devices, I’ll sleep until about 8:00—which I do on weekends and holidays. But I buy and sell options every day, with several hundred people following my trade recommendations. On most mornings, I can’t wait for the day to start.