How to Get Out of Bed When It’s Cold

Do you dread leaving your cosy duvet on winter mornings? You’re not alone – dark, chilly starts can make even the simplest routine feel like a struggle. But with a few small changes, you can make getting up easier, warmer, and even enjoyable. Say goodbye to groggy starts and try these simple tips to beat the frost and start your day feeling refreshed.

Set your heating or a portable heater to switch on 15 to 30 minutes before your alarm. A warmer room makes stepping out of bed much easier, as you won’t leave a warm bed for a cold space.

Martin Bennett, CEO of HomeServe, recommends “between 18C and 21C is ideal for health and well-being and will help to ease pressure on your finances in the long run.”

Decide what clothes you will wear before bed to make your morning simpler. Lay slippers and a dressing gown by your bed so you can layer up quickly when you get up. You can even place clothes near a radiator so they are warm and cosy when you put them on. Take it a step further by making your breakfast or lunch in advance, saving you precious time under the duvet.

Cosy pyjamas and socks can help keep you warm overnight, making it less of a shock to get out of bed when it’s cold. Learn more here about what to wear to bed.

Loud, noisy alarms can startle you awake. Instead, play calming sounds or classical music to wake up gently. Check out our playlist for the best songs to wake up to in the morning for some inspiration. Smart alarms, such as sunrise alarm clocks or apps that gradually increase volume, can also help to make mornings feel easier.

For more advice, check out our guide on choosing the best alarm clock.

If you tend to press snooze, move your alarm or phone out of reach. This forces you to get out of bed to turn it off. Just make sure it’s loud enough to wake you!

Keep a glass or a bottle by your bedside and make sure to drink some water as soon as you wake up. Hydration kick-starts your metabolism and helps shake off sleepiness. If water isn’t your thing, check out the best morning drinks to start your day.

After getting out of bed, stretch or enjoy light exercise for a few minutes. This helps warm up your muscles, boost your circulation, and make you feel more alert.

Open your curtains or switch on a lamp to brighten your space. The light can also help signal to your body clock that it’s time to wake up, making it easier not to stay in bed.

Cold air creeping under doors and around window frames can make winter mornings particularly difficult. To block these sneaky draughts, use heavy curtains, draught excluders, or even rolled-up towels placed along the gaps.

When you’re out of bed, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and a warm breakfast such as porridge. A healthy breakfast gives you energy, warms you up from the inside and helps you begin your day on the right foot.

If you prefer morning showers or have time for one, the warm water will quickly wake you up and chase away the chill. Warming clothes on a radiator means you can step straight from the shower into toasty clothing with no shocking cold fabrics against your skin.

Quality sleep makes cold mornings far more manageable. Build a consistent bedtime routine: go to sleep and wake at the same times each day, allow yourself proper wind-down time, and limit screens before bed. When you’re well-rested, you’ll have more energy and less grogginess to battle through those chilly morning moments. For more tips on building strong sleep habits, check out our helpful guide.

Getting out of bed on a cold winter morning might always feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a battle you dread every day. By setting up small but effective habits, you can create a morning routine that’s as inviting as your duvet. Remember, making the effort to start your day on the right foot sets the tone for the hours ahead. So take it one morning at a time, and before you know it, those frosty starts will feel a little easier to tackle.