Matteo Franceschetti
Matteo Franceschetti is co-founder and CEO of Eight, a proprietary technology that understands your sleeping habits and promotes optimal sleep. Originally from Italy, Matteo currently lives in New York City.
What is your morning routine?
I wake up at 6:30am every weekday morning and around 7:00-7:30am on weekends. I try to keep my schedule consistent because it’s key to getting a good night’s sleep.
The first thing I do in the morning is check emails and sales numbers from the night before. I then head to the gym, where I take time to check my sleep stats and evaluate how my night went. Then I go back home, grab a coffee or tea, and take a quick shower before heading to the office.
How long have you stuck with this routine so far?
Around four months. I change it when I travel or have jet lag. But other than that, I keep it very consistent.
How has your morning routine changed over recent years?
My routine has changed a lot over the past year. Four months ago I began focusing on creating a schedule to achieve consistency, with the primary goal of waking up refreshed and energized. So I began going to bed earlier (around 10:30pm every night) and waking up earlier (6:00-6:30am). I stick to a similar routine on the weekends as well.
Do you do anything before going to bed to make your morning easier?
I review what my next day looks like so I can be mentally prepared for it. I make sure I sleep at least seven and a half hours because I know I need that much time to feel my best.
Do you use an alarm to wake you up in the morning, and if so do you ever hit the snooze button?
Lately I have been able to wake up without an alarm because I created this new, consistent routine and my body has gotten used to it. On days when I do need an alarm - to catch an early flight, for example - I use the Eight smart alarm.
How soon after waking up do you have breakfast, and what do you typically have?
I never have breakfast. At most I grab a tea and sometimes a macchiato.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
I go to the gym between three and four times per week, always in the morning. I follow a simple routine of cardio and weights. I go because it makes me feel great and energized, and it helps me sleep better, too. On the days when I can’t go because I have early morning meetings, I am more aware of my diet and sleep routine, and I’m especially aware of my caffeine intake!
Do you have a morning meditation routine?
It is not a routine, yet. I meditate once or twice every other week. But I aim to start doing it three or four times per week.
Do you answer email first thing in the morning or leave it until later in the day?
I immediately check sales, Slack, and emails when I wake up. If there’s anything urgent, I answer it immediately. Otherwise I wait to get to the office to respond.
Do you use any apps or products to enhance your sleep or morning routine?
I use the Eight app. I love that when the Eight alarm goes off, my bedroom lights turn on.
How soon do you check your phone in the morning?
Immediately. I know it’s wrong, but it’s hard to avoid.
What are your most important tasks in the morning?
Hugging my wife, going to the gym, and getting ready for work. Every Monday at 8:15am I have a meeting with our CTO, and every Tuesday at 7:00am I have a call with our China team. Mornings are a big part of tackling the day with the right mindset and energy.
What and when is your first drink in the morning?
I try to have a glass of water before going to the gym. And an espresso after the gym.
How does your partner fit into your morning routine?
Sometimes my wife keeps sleeping after I’ve woken up, and she is up by the time I am back from the gym. We work together so we spend plenty of time together.
Do you also follow this routine on weekends, or do you change some steps?
I started following the same routine over the weekends, and it’s helped me a lot. Sometimes I may get an extra thirty minutes to an hour of sleep on weekends, but for the most part the routine is the same.
On days you’re not settled in your home, are you able to adapt your routine to fit in with a different environment?
It is much harder. When I travel to the West Coast I try to wake up at 5:00am so I can avoid jet lag. But it is always hard to wake up at 6:00-6:30am once I am back in NYC. Jet lag is not only about the time you go to bed but is highly connected to sun exposure, so it’s hard to avoid it entirely.
What do you do if you fail to follow your morning routine, and how does this influence the rest of your day?
If I skip the gym for multiple days in a row, I feel less energized. I like to exercise because it oxygenates my body and mind. It’s the best way to achieve a first goal early in the day.
Anything else you would like to add?
I like to make the bed before leaving home. I feel like I accomplished another goal before going to work. And I like to see the bedroom in order when I come home. It gives me a sense of relaxation and order.
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