This is arguably one of the oldest debates between being a
night owl versus an early bird. Both have interesting arguments in this or that
direction. Staying up late or waking at the crack of dawn impacts many aspects
of life, like productivity, health, and social dynamics. So let's talk about
the pros and cons of each in giving some insight on which might fit better in
different people's lives.
What Is Your Chronotype?
Before getting into the details, let's talk about what a
chronotype is in the first place. The chronotype means the intrinsic tendency
of an individual's activity at certain times during the day. It is to a great
extent controlled by genetics; however, there is always some role for lifestyle
and environmental factors. Chronotypes usually fall under three categories:
Chronotype morning (Early Birds):
This group of people is more energetic and productive early
in the morning. They wake up very early and work better during the morning
hours.
Evening chronotype (Night Owls):
Here, one feels more alert and productive late in the
evening and at night. Subjects are allowed to sleep late into the night and
wake up late in the day.
Intermediate Chronotype:
Such people are characterized by a biorhythm close to the
ideal balance, and therefore, they have fewer problems with adaptation to
different schedules.
Advantages of Being an Early Riser
Increased Productivity: It is mostly felt that early birds
get more done in the morning. The quiet, uninterrupted hours of early morning
may be just right for focused work or studying.
Better Mental Health:
Studies have shown that morning people generally tend to
have less depression and anxiety. Getting up early, structured routine implies,
therefore provides a sort of balance and stability to an individual's life.
Better Physical Health:
It has been found that the early risers tend to exercise
more regularly and maintain a healthier diet. One's energy and metabolism get a
necessary boost throughout the day with a morning regime of exercise.
Social Advantages:
Waking up early typically aligns better with social and work
conventional hours. Since most activities, meetings, and social events are
usually held in the early part of the day, rising early can facilitate the development
of social relationships and networking.
Stable Sleep Patterns:
The early risers generally profit from much more stable
sleep patterns, thereby contributing to less disturbed sleep, a quality that
can be better overall. Regular sleeping habits show a clear association with
enhanced cognitive function and emotional regulation.
Advantages of Being a Night Owl
Increased Creativity:
It is normally experienced that the night owls realize that
their creativity is at its peak during the late hours of the night. The quiet,
loneliness, the absence of noise or any other type of distraction provided by
the night normally sets up the environment for creative thinking and
problem-solving.
Flexible Productivity:
When one becomes a night owl, productivity does not align
with conventional hours of working. This flexibility can turn out to be an
excellent tool when a person works in non-traditional jobs or has variable
schedules.
Adjustment to Time Zones:
Since a person is habituated to staying awake during the
late hours, it might be easier for them to get adjusted to time zones or even
work with global teams.
Less Stress at Night:
For some, the peace of the night can be less stressful. The
pressure and other disturbances will likely be a lot less during the peak times
of the night owls.
Better Personal Time:
The nights are usually peaceful and provide more personal
time to the individual when everybody else is asleep. This is a time for some
me-time, fun, and leisure.
Disadvantages of Early Risers
Social Misalignment:
One of the most frequent complaints among early risers is in
regard to social activities and events happening later in the day or evening.
This often makes them feel like they are being left out or isolated in social
functions.
Difficulty with Nighttime Tasks:
Due to the habit of waking up and sleeping early, the early
riser may sometimes lose focus or become ineffective at night. This usually
impacts those tasks or duties that should be accomplished during late-night
hours.
Social Pressure:
With everyone else burning the midnight oil or partying all
night, the early birds may end up succumbing to social pressure to change their
routine in order to fit in.
Disadvantages of Being a Night Owl
Health Problems:
Irregular sleep patterns can mean that the night owl is
opening themselves up to some potential health problems, including metabolic
disorders and cardiovascular diseases from bad sleeping.
Social and Professional Limitations:
Being a night owl can become too difficult to keep up with
standard work timings and social schedules, thus leading to problems in the
professional and personal field.
Stigmatization:
There is generally some stigma attached to being a night
owl, since it is viewed by others as a lack of discipline or poor time management.
This can easily affect self-esteem and societal perceptions.
Waking Up Early for Morning Responsibilities:
The Night Owl usually finds it hard to rise for an early
meeting or other responsibilities in the morning. This could create potential
conflicts or stress.
Finding Your Balance
The argument between being a night owl and an early bird
isn't always black and white. Most people fall in between and would accommodate
different schedules as per their need. Here are a few tips for finding your
balance:
Know Your Chronotype:
Be aware of the time of day in which you are most alert and
productive. Leverage that in the structuring of daily activities to maximize
your strengths.
Ease into It:
If you need to change your sleep schedule, do it gradually.
Sudden sleeping pattern changes can throw off your circadian rhythm and cause a
number of different health problems.
Prioritize Sleep:
Whatever be your chronotype, get enough, good sleep. Get 7-9
hours every night and have a consistent sleeping pattern.
Optimize Your Environment:
Ensure that the environment supports your chronotype. For
morning larks, this might mean setting up a productive morning routine. For
night owls, it might mean providing a quiet, extremely well-lit workplace for
any late-night tasks.
Be Flexible:
Life is generally full of change. The ability to adjust
one's schedule according to one's commitments and personal needs helps in
keeping a healthy balance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, that is a question of personal preference,
lifestyle, and responsibilities as to which of the two is better: being a night
owl versus being an early bird. In both chronotypes, there are advantages and
disadvantages, so it will help to know how to cash in on your natural
tendencies while developing mechanisms to deal with the probable disadvantages.
Only through understanding and embracing your unique rhythm will you attain a
fuller life by being more productive, healthy, and fit.
Please book an appointment with the best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
