Why ‘Early to Bed, Early to Rise’ Is a Myth (and Night Owls Can Finally Rejoice)

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-early-to-bed-early-to-rise-is-a-myth-and-night-owls-can-finally-rejoice?utm_source=pocket-newtab


Inc.
Julian Hayes II

In today's world, the early risers are celebrated. Nearly everything in this world is structured to suit those who sleep early and wake up with the sun. This indoctrination of needing to be an early riser starts as a little kid with our parents harping on us to go to sleep.

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As someone who sees the issues of sleep deprivation up close, I can tell you that the rate of inadequate sleep among entrepreneurs and top performers is steadily rising. According to a 2016 Rand study, inadequate sleep is costing the U.S. more than $400 billion in economic losses which are leading to 1.23 million days of lost work annually.

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We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but each of us are at our best at different times during that period. According to Dr. Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep:

"Around 40 percent of the population are morning people, 30 percent are evening people, and the reminder lies in between. Night owls aren't owls by choice. They are bound to a delayed schedule by unavoidable DNA hard wiring. It's not their conscious fault, but rather their genetic fate."

To further squash the notion that night owls are lazy, The Rockefeller University discovered a gene mutation last year that may disrupt your body's internal circadian clock, leading to the development of DSPD (Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder).

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To maximize your specific chronotype and productivity, implement these three habits:
1. Schedule your day around your energy. ...
2. Have a routine that helps you wind down. ...
3. Stay consistent with your sleep and wake times. [I have a big problem doing this.]

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