Are Nights the Best Time for You?
By Tom Herrin
We are all different. That is a good thing. Our differences are what make us unique and keep the world more interesting. Some do well with traditional days while others seem to thrive being active at night. At one time, many seemed to think that those who wanted to get ahead would go to bed early and get up equally early. Those who slept in and stayed active well into the night were often thought to be unmotivated. The fact is that we all operate on different kinds of schedules. Doing so on our own time is often the best way to be the most productive.
Night People Dance to Their Own Beat
For some people, no matter how much they try, it is impossible for them to change from nights to days. This may be due to an internal clock that each of us has. This is our circadian rhythm, and it governs much of what we do. It tells us when to sleep and when to be active. Those of us who do better with nights may be at our best well after the dinner hour. I tend to be one of those night owls, and I have discovered that fighting my natural schedule can leave me unproductive. I know that I can exercise in late afternoon or early evening, but if I do something like that early in the day, I feel as if I have been beaten.
Day People May Run Down by Afternoon
Those who do best working early may find this to be their optimal time. They usually enjoy watching the sun rise and get charged up by it. They may prefer running or working out well before the sun is very high. On the other hand, they may begin running out of steam by the middle of the afternoon. Their clocks may have them in bed shortly after dinner.
Which Is Best?
Depending on the kinds of demands, there may not be a right or wrong in personal schedules. For certain, it is best if we can choose careers that fit with our own peak performance times. For those who feel the need, it is possible to make changes if they are done slowly. Moving the alarm a few minutes at a time over a few weeks may slowly accomplish the purpose. The biggest problem may be if those who live under the same roof have different schedules. It can work, but it can be a challenge.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Oceanside, Calif.