Night owls and early risers – the dispute concerning who holds the edge in general wellness, health and way of life has actually continued for ages. Night owls delight in the peace and performance that nighttime deals, declaring increased imagination and awareness. On the other hand, early risers accept the serenity of dawn, boasting of increased discipline and much better sleep routines. But is one really much better than the other? If so, how and why?
We asked professionals to weigh in.
Dr Navneet Sood, senior expert, lung and sleep medication, at Delhi’s Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, said, “The preference between being a night owl or an early bird depends on individual circadian rhythms and lifestyle demands. Night owls tend to be more alert and productive in the evening, while early birds excel in the morning.”
Agreeing, Dr J Harikishan, senior basic doctor, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, said each chronotype, as it is clinically understood, includes its own set of advantages and disadvantages. “Night owls and early birds represent two distinct chronotypes that dictate an individual’s natural preference for sleep and wake patterns. Night owls, also known as evening types or nocturnal individuals, find it easier to stay awake late into the night and often have difficulty waking up early in the morning,” he shared.
On the other hand, early risers, described as early morning types, are more alert and efficient throughout the early hours and normally go to sleep previously at night, Dr Harikishan included.
Dr Sood shared that being a night owl or an early riser is subjective and affected by genes. “The best choice is the one that aligns with your natural body clock and allows you to maintain a consistent sleep schedule,” he said.
Let’s comprehend the advantages of both sort of sleeping regimens.
Night owl
“Night owls are known to thrive in the evening and nighttime hours,” Dr Harikishan said, sharing a few of the advantages connected with this chronotype.
*Enhanced imagination: Research recommends that night owls might show increased imagination and analytical capabilities throughout their peak hours at night.
*Better efficiency in night activities: Night owls tend to carry out much better in tasks that need continual attention and cognitive function throughout the late hours.
*Social opportunities: Night owls might discover it simpler to hang out with others who choose to be active throughout the night, assisting in bonding and interaction.
Early bird
Early birds, too, take pleasure in numerous advantages.
*Improved performance: Early birds are frequently more efficient throughout the early morning, making it an optimum time for crucial tasks and decision-making.
*Consistent regimen: Early risers tend to develop a constant regimen that lines up well with the standard work schedule, leading to much better time management.
*Exposure to early morning sunshine: Morning light direct exposure can favorably affect body clocks, state of mind, and general health.
However, both way of lives feature their share of disadvantages, professionals argued. Let us comprehend how:
Night owl
While being a night owl has its advantages, there are some possible disadvantages to think about:
*Social obstacles: Night owls might deal with problems in keeping social relationships due to a schedule that varies from that of most other individuals in society.
*Sleep deprivation: Night owls might have a hard time to get adequate sleep, resulting in sleep deprivation and associated health concerns.
*Impact on psychological health: Irregular sleep patterns can add to state of mind conditions and an increased threat of anxiety and stress and anxiety.
Early bird
Early birds, too, experience their share of obstacles:
*Evening performance drop: Early birds might experience reduced awareness and performance throughout the late night hours.
*Difficulty in hanging out: Waking up early might result in losing out on gatherings that happen later on at night.
*Lack of versatility: Early birds may discover it challenging to adjust to circumstances that need keeping up late, such as shift work or celebrations.
However, it is important to establish an optimum sleep schedule by keeping a constant bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. “Create a relaxing pre-sleep routine, avoid stimulating activities before bed, and limit exposure to screens. Experiment to find the sleep-wake cycle that best suits your energy levels and daily commitments. Seek professional advice if you have persistent sleep problems,” Dr Sood said.
(Last in the series – Exploring sleepwalking: Causes, threats, and precaution)
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