international dawn chorus day
International Dawn Chorus Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May every year.
International Dawn Chorus Day was established by The Wildlife Trust to celebrate the beautiful harmony of birds.
Birds can start singing from 4:30am to 5:00am during spring and summertime.
Unwelcome early morning wake-ups can impact your deep sleep cycles, fatigue levels and concentration levels.
Every year, as the days get longer and spring transitions into summer, we’re all treated to a natural symphony: the dawn chorus. While usually appreciated by early risers, birdsong can be both a soothing and disruptive sound in the AM. But how can it really impact your sleep quality? With International Dawn Chorus Day fast approaching, there’s no better time to delve into the topic of birds singing and how this could potentially impact your sleep. This blog will outline the connection between this unique event and your slumber, as well as how you can protect your sleep from nature’s alarm clock.
when & what is Dawn Chorus Day?
International Dawn Chorus Day is celebrated globally on the first Sunday in May as a way to acknowledge nature’s most beautiful sound. Originating in the UK by The Wildlife Trust, this event is designed to encourage people to wake up early and enjoy the birds welcoming a new day. This event has caught on worldwide, with people across the globe heading outside at sunrise so they can soak up the birdsong because it’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy a moment of mindfulness and appreciation.
what to expect from Dawn Chorus Day
Do you prefer to sleep in silence? The early morning birdsong might not be your cup of tea if that’s the case. While enjoyable for some, it can be a rude awakening for others, especially as birds usually start singing before the sunrise begins, making it as early as 4:30am to 5:00am.
The most common birds to get involved are:
Blackbirds
Robins
Song thrushes
Wood pigeons
If you’re wondering why birds sing so early, it’s because the air is cooler and less turbulent, so their songs can travel further.
how early birds might affect your sleep quality
Now you know what to expect from the UK’s morning chirpers, let’s address what this could mean for your sleep quality. Sleep is made up of various stages, and towards the morning is when we are likely to experience REM sleep. At this point, your brain is at its most active, which means you’re more likely to be disturbed by noise – like the sudden burst of sing song from the birds. These consistent early morning disruptions can:
Stop you from getting as much sleep
Prevent deeper sleep cycles
Cause you to feel groggy and tired throughout the day
Impact your mood, concentration and immune function
Unfortunately, even if you fall back asleep, your body has likely already started producing the wake-up hormone, cortisol which will make it a lot more difficult to experience restful sleep again.
how to adapt your surroundings & routine
While we encourage you to celebrate the beauty of nature, we’d like to remind you the importance of protecting your sleep length and quality. Sleep is essential for your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, impacting everything from your immune system to your memory. So, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to ensure you still catch the z’s during the season of birds cheeping.
enhance your sleep environment: It might be time to reassess your sleep set-up to reduce the effects of birdsong. We recommend introducing a supportive mattress, noise-buffering headboards and breathable bedding—all which make a world of difference when it comes to getting consistent, restful sleep.
blackout curtains: Even though you can’t mute the birds, you can reduce your light exposure, which may delay your wake-up time. Blackout curtains and window stickers are both great options. As a top tip, opt for heavy curtains which are both blackout and great for reducing noise pollution.
use sleep accessories: Earplugs or white noise machines are also fantastic for drowning out the birdsong in the AM. They both mask high-pitched sounds and keep your sleep environment calm.
embracing birdsong for sleep
Looking to embrace the stunning tunes of birds? Fear not, you can still do this while ensuring you get enough quality sleep. Here’s some guidance:
Start going to bed a little earlier and allow yourself to wake gently to the birdsong.
Incorporate the sounds into your wake-up routine throughout the rest of the year—some people even use pre-recorded birdsong as their alarm for a more peaceful start to the day.
Pair the birdsong with morning mindfulness, stretching, or even journaling for a grounding start.
Dawn Chorus Day 2025 is fast approaching, and whether you embrace the birdsong or reduce its volume, prioritising getting a good night’s rest is always key. If you found this article helpful, discover our healthy sleep blog section.
