“Why are you still awake?” It’s 11:30 PM, and one of my friends, who struggles with insomnia, sends me a message. For many, especially parents of small children, the idea of being up past 10 o’clock seems bizarre.
But honestly, I find it odd that some people willingly rise at six in the morning without necessity, simply because they prefer early starts. Staying up late is just a different rhythm of life; we’re operating on a unique biological clock.
I’ve identified as a “night owl” since childhood. Weekends were a joy not just for the absence of school but for the freedom to stay up as late as I desired. There were countless nights I outlasted my parents, lost in late-night television shows. As I matured, I cherished the hours spent connecting with friends or diving into books long after dusk. Now, those late hours are my sanctuary, a time dedicated to unwinding and solitude.
Mornings, in contrast, are a struggle—not solely due to my night-owl nature, but because they inherently feel tough. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have to rise before 9 AM, and I often manage to make that happen. One of the perks of self-employment is setting my own hours, allowing me to avoid those dreadful early wake-ups.
“But as a mother, doesn’t your child wake up early?” you might ask. Surprisingly, no—my son is an even bigger night owl than I am. It took time for him to transition from a late-night schedule to a more manageable bedtime. He’s never been a “rise with the sun” type. On the rare occasions he does wake up early, we both end up napping a few hours later.
Now that he’s older, I can give him a snack and let him watch TV or play on his tablet while I catch up on sleep. He’s learned to entertain himself quietly, and when I wake up, he proudly tells me, “I played quietly for you, Mommy!” His concept of “early” is still considered late by typical standards; he rarely stirs before 8 AM.
For me, the night is invigorating. There’s something special about tucking the world into slumber and reveling in the silence. Fellow night owls share this unique perspective; we simply thrive during different hours. Late-night hours are when I feel most clear-headed, having put the day’s concerns to rest. It’s then that I can focus on what truly needs my attention—often my work.
During the day, I frequently find myself overwhelmed with a mental checklist of tasks. Did I remember to pay that bill? When do I need to start dinner? At night, however, I can put those thoughts aside and concentrate. Attempting to do this in the early morning only leads to distraction and the pressure of unfinished tasks hanging over my head.
I confess, I sometimes envy early risers—their ability to greet the dawn with energy and enthusiasm. I recall a moment when my young nephew woke me at an ungodly hour, proclaiming, “The sun is awake, so you have to be awake too.” I grunted in response, pulling the blanket over my head, though I couldn’t dispute his logic. I don’t mind witnessing the sunrise; I just prefer it to be because I haven’t gone to bed yet. For me, early rising makes the day feel interminable. I glance at the clock, thinking, “How is it only 10? It feels like I’ve been awake for ages.” Yet, I can sit down at 10 PM, and when I check again, it’s midnight, and it feels like just moments have passed.
Many ask how I manage to balance work and single parenthood so effectively. I tell them it’s all about those late hours. I accomplish so much during the quiet of the night because I have the mental clarity and energy to work uninterrupted. My supervisor is accustomed to receiving emails from me in the middle of the night since that’s when I’m at my most productive. I’ve laid the day to rest and am gently stepping into the next.
That’s my secret: I get things done while the rest of the world sleeps. Sure, this might mean I wake up later, but I don’t have looming tasks demanding my attention amidst the daily grind of grocery shopping and laundry. So, no, I’m not lazy, nor am I a superhero; I simply thrive when others are asleep.
For those navigating similar experiences, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination at Progyny. If you’re interested in enhancing fertility, you can also explore insights on the fertility booster for men from another one of our blog posts. Lastly, for those considering squalane, check out this authoritative source for more information.
Summary
Night owls like myself embrace a different lifestyle that allows for productivity during late hours. While society often views this as laziness, it’s simply a matter of biological wiring. I thrive in the quiet of the night, where I can focus without distractions. My son shares this trait, allowing us to navigate our schedules in harmony. Ultimately, it’s about finding the rhythm that works best for us, dispelling the myths surrounding night owls.