The waking response in humans is linked with a diurnal (day-night) rhythm in levels of cortisol, the so-called ‘stress hormone’. The level then declines through the course of the day.
Cortisol levels are also affected by stimulation, anxiety and other factors that increase bodily arousal.
In the run up to Christmas, children get more excited, which is likely to raise their cortisol levels, adding to the pre-waking cortisol peak and causing early awakening.
This article originally appeared in The Open University student and alumni magazine, Sesame. To find out more, visit www.open.ac.uk/sesame
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Early Start
They don't. That is simply a perception and expectation some parents have. I have had four children and I am a grandmother and I know from 20 years of experience children will wake up early on other days besides Christmas day. They are however more prone to wake up early on any day they know there is going to be some excitement (friends birthday party perhaps/ going on hols to Disney world etc).