Most Americans Wake Up Between 6am and 7:30am

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 12:53pm CT

Edison Research

A new custom survey from Edison Research sheds light on exactly when Americans start their day -- providing new context to the morning routines famously captured in Dolly Parton's hit song "9 to 5." While the lyrics speak of stumbling to the kitchen for a "cup of ambition," the survey now confirms what time that moment typically happens.

According to the findings, just over 30% of Americans aged 13 and older are awake by 6am on weekdays. The most common times for setting alarms fall between 6-6:30am and 7-7:30am.

The data also shows a shift from pre-pandemic wake-up habits. "Other data from Edison Research has shown most Americans are waking up slightly later than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic," the company noted, attributing the trend to changes in work schedules and increased time spent at home.

The insights are part of Edison's broader research efforts, including its daily audio diary study, Share of Ear, which tracks not only when people start their day, but also how they spend their time with audio throughout it.