Response:

The process of becoming fully aware of your true nature is a matter of your Self recognizing itself independent of the mind or body. So that awakening does not happen in time and space, or as a body/mind experience. That Self is always there; it only needs to be noticed. But to maintain this state of awareness permanently requires that we release the conditioning in our mind and body that holds us in a sense of identity as a separate, limited person.  Overcoming all the old conditioning about our false self takes some time. Meditation is traditionally recommended early in the morning because, as you mentioned, that is the time of day when our mind and body are fresh and rested. By opening our awareness to our silent witness, we affirm what we truly are and work on dissolving the illusions that we have been operating under. Eventually, the reality of our essence becomes permanently established; this is known as enlightenment, and from there, self-realization maintains itself and cannot be lost.

Love,

Deepak