Science & Tech

Not a Morning Person? Science Says These Are the Best Songs to Wake Up To

By Valerie Cools 3 min read

# Coldplay
# playlists
# psychology

Some people are natural early risers. The rest of us drag our drowsy selves out of bed on most mornings, and have an array of tricks to get us going, from coffee to a quick yoga routine (but mostly coffee).

Well, Spotify now has sleepyheads covered. Not only has the music streaming service put together a playlist for waking up, they recruited a music psychologist to ensure the songs are the most effective at getting you ready for the day.

David M. Greenberg, a PhD candidate in psychology at Cambridge University, determined a list of 20 songs which he claims are ideal for helping people transition from groggy to peppy.

“It’s kind of a tricky situation, because waking up is a pretty unique event,” Greenberg told Mic. “You’re starting out in a tired, grumpy, cranky state. For most of us, it’s a struggle, and you’re trying to go from that state to a state where you’re feeling alert, energetic and optimistic about the day at best.”

As a result, merely blasting cheerful, bouncy music as soon as you get up isn’t the best way to go: This is usually too much of a shock for your still-tired brain. Transition is key.

Therefore, Greenberg selected songs that start off gently, before easing into a more intense, stirring sequence. The ideal beat was estimated at between 100 and 130 beats per minute, and positive lyrics were also a factor.

Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” tops the playlist as the ideal song to wake up to. Also on the list are the classic “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves, “Wake Me Up” by Aviici (makes sense), and songs by Sam Smith, Imagine Dragons, and Arcade Fire.

Of course, your taste in music is still a partially subjective thing. But, as Greenberg explains, “It’s not just a form of entertainment. It’s something that’s ingrained into our psyche and our brains.”