I can't be sure if it is the exercise or the lower caloric intake, or if it the fact that I am not eating as late in the evening. One or more of these, probably all three, are contributing to a sounder sleep and a less "frightening" morning alarm. I have only lost 4 pounds so I doubt that the weight loss per se has much to do with it at this point. All I know is that I feel much better in the morning, and have a lot more energy when I get to work. Don't get me wrong - I am a late nite person at heart and I still hate mornings, I am just more able to tolerate them that previously. Unfortunately, I have to get to work in the morning so I will continue to hate them until I retire next Spring.