BigD - I am **horrible** at mornings. Once awake and in the shower, all is fine. But I've slept thru EARTHQUAKES. If I don't want to wake up, it's really tough to get me up. In aid to wake me up, I have an ever shifting items to keep me confused, which is what wakes me up best. The list includes:
* a timer light switch to the overhead light
* next to my bed, a dual alarm clock (cd & buzzer) with the clock about 30 minutes ahead of time, and the two alarms timed, I don't know, just to keep me from doing the math and thinking "I got a few more minutes"
* across the room, an iHome dual alarm set to buzz and iPod. this clock is set to real time, and the iPod plays music really gentle like, and is the 1st alarm. The goal to pull me out of deep sleep gently
* an old alarm clock in the bathroom (next room over) with NPR on. Voices help wake me (sometimes)
* cell phone with several alarms (typically 3, sometimes more if I gotta get up early). I put it in different places, ones that require me to get OUT of bed. Doesn't always work. Often turn off phone and climb back into bed. Winters are tougher, I long for the warm bed and hide from the cool air. California has been better in that regard.
Getting to sleep, ya, tough. Once asleep, just as tough to get me up. Dunno what your sleep problems are, but sometimes its good to know, your not alone. Sleep well, and I hope ya wake up on time.
With that, I'm off to bed myself. I hear "Fight Club" saying "read more read more" and hopefully that will dull the brain some more so sleep can slip in.
Sláinte!