A neurology specialist has debunked the common notion that being an early bird is the key to optimal health. Many people have jobs which require waking up early, or have early-rising children which leave them with no choice – but being more of a night owl isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While some find fulfilment in accomplishing tasks or squeezing in a workout before sunrise, others prioritise additional sleep and tackle their duties later in the day. Contrary to popular belief, not all successful individuals are early risers. Indeed, numerous celebrated creatives and intellectuals are known for their nocturnal habits.
Famous figures such as pop superstar Lady Gaga and legendary singer Bob Dylan are night owls, proving that productivity isn’t solely the domain of the early morning. Even prominent leaders like Britain’s wartime hero Winston Churchill reportedly thrived during the late hours, reports the Express.
On the other hand, industry titans like Apple CEO Tim Cook purportedly wake up between the unearthly hours of 4am and 5am, joining the league of early birds alongside Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. The pop diva once revealed she fits in a gym session at 4.45am amidst her busy schedule. However, a brain expert suggests that rising this early doesn’t necessarily boost productivity.
According to the specialist, our genetics significantly influence our peak functioning hours. Therefore, setting an alarm for the crack of dawn might not be beneficial for everyone.
Dr Baibing Chen, a neurologist from the University of Michigan, better known to TikTok users as Dr Bing, addressed the myth of early risers being superior to night owls. “The idea that waking up extremely early will make you more productive is a myth. What really matters is how much sleep you’re getting, and the quality of sleep that you’re getting. You probably have heard of the circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that your brain runs on which controls when you feel awake and when you feel tired.”
He added: “Some people are naturally early birds, while others are night owls – and if you’re wired to be more alert in the evening, forcing yourself to wake up at 4am can actually hurt your focus, memory and decision making.”
He also cautioned about the ramifications of an excessively early rise time, potentially depriving oneself of vital deep REM sleep—essential for fostering creativity, managing emotions, and consolidating memories. He concluded with advice specifically for nocturnally inclined individuals: “If you’re a night owl, waking up at 4, 5am might actually be counterproductive,”.
Although the NHS recommends that most healthy adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, Dr Bing noted that individual sleep needs can vary significantly due to factors such as age, health, and lifestyle.
Dr Bing pointed out: “The most successful people in history, Einstein for example, were late risers, proving that it’s not about the hour you wake up but the quality of your sleep and how you structure your day.”
In conclusion, the expert cautioned against the temptation to replicate the routines of others, whether seen online or in person, and instead advocated for a personalised approach to sleep. He said: “Focus on optimising your sleep by structuring your day around your peak mental hours and maintaining consistency.”
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