Is viral ‘5-to-9 routine’ the ultimate productivity hack?

TikToker Cameron Kira also partakes in the meticulously planned 5-to-9 before her 9-to-5, as shown in a clip of her making her bed, dressing in a matching workout set and making breakfast to eat in bed.

While some brave souls even rise as early as 3 or 4 in the morning, experts aren’t convinced the rigid routine is necessarily beneficial.

Suzy Reading, a psychologist and author, told The Independent that adopting the TikTok trend might not respect everyone’s sleep needs.

“Some people naturally feel greater mental clarity in the morning, while others will feel more switched on later in the day,” she said. “Go with what works best for you as an individual.”

“What’s most important is respecting and meeting your sleep needs — for adults, this is seven to nine hours of sleep daily, and sacrificing our sleep needs will not serve us in the long-term,” she added.

Past research has suggested that early risers tend to be happier and healthier, with one study noting that throwing off the covers before 7 a.m. and squeezing in some exercise like these TikTokers is the secret to life longevity.

Dr. Stephen Smagula, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center which conducted the study, said keeping up that pattern is just as important.

“Most people are aware of the importance of good sleep and exercise, but I think what’s missing from this picture is the daily, or circadian, pattern of activity,” previously said Dr. Smagula. “Having something to wake up for each morning and having a full day that you find purposeful and rewarding might be what’s important for us sleeping well at night and aging well.”