Early Bird Or Night Owl?

Both. Up late every night but get up early most mornings. Very good at siestas not surprisingly.

Night owl. Always have been.
I come alive when everyone else is going to bed.
Makes the day job that much more...inconvenient.

Well if going to 'bed' between 3am - 5am counts, I'm gonna go with I'm a NIGHT OWL!

Concur with Joe, makes the 'day' job trickier!

Both, I find sleep to be overrated ;)

What if we do both? :) . I get up at 0545 to get two grandsons up for school (bus picks them up at 0630). I normally don't turn-in until after midnight sometimes, if that counts as a night owl. :)

Retired, so can take a nap if needed, and do fall asleep in the chair if I sit still long enough. :)

Peter, I guess that means you get the best of both worlds!

Joe, we're on the same page. Thankfully, being an artist allows me both a day & night job! My choice. Lol.

Melissa, yes, 3 to 5 a.m., the wee hours. If I left it completely up to my biological clock, I'd be falling asleep at that time.

Greg, a lot of us are! You get the best [or worst] of both? I guess it's all in how you look at it...or feel!

You are not alone, Peter. I hear that a lot, that sleep is way over-rated. Good for you that you have such energy!

I have always been much more of an early bird. Did just fine on intelligence tests too. :)

I love early mornings, being out with nature when it is active, also have the most energy and zest for the new day in the mornings. I become lazy and sleepy once darkness hits!

Many studies....I like the one that found this: Early Risers are happier, healthier and more productive than night owls.

I cannot sleep past 6 am no matter how tired I am. My internal clock says get up at 6 am! I have not had a 9 - 5 job in over 20 years! I've had my own schedule....so it isn't that. It's just my time to get up. I go to bed at 10ish.

i'm more of a mongoose... if i were to label myself as a bird but not really.

i'm not an early, middle or late. i'm kind of the same throughout the day. go to sleep, wake up, eat something, computer, lunch, dinner sleep, etc.

usually kind of sleepy throughout the day, but not enough to fall asleep, just not super full of energy. but i also don't do caffeine at all, maybe once every few months. so its hard to gauge against other people.

---Mike Savad
MikeSavad.com

on the weekends I'm naturally a night owl

but forcing myself to be an early bird on the weekdays due to my 9-5 day job

michelle saraswati

Night owl for sure. I concentrate best when I have no distractions!

Both.

Can't remember the last time I slept more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, even when working a full-time job outside the home. Insomnia, and other parasomnias like sleepwalking, sleeptalking, nightmares, exploding head syndrome, have been my lifetime companions. I absolutely blame them for several major health problems, and find I'm increasingly intolerant (and a little envious) of 'sleepers'.

On the bright side, I also 'blame' parasomnias for a life of prolific creativity. How else would I have time for writing, art, music, reading, and all the other amazing things that have and do fill my very l-o-n-g days and nights? :-)

As I get happier with this full time job, I am becoming more of a morning person for the first time in my life.

Dave

Early bird here. Mornings are the best part of the day for me. I keep thinking I want to do star photography, but can't stay up that late! Maybe I'll try getting up before dawn. That suits me better.

Night owl.

In winter or cold days, I prefer being a Night Owl, summer time I am an early bird :D!

In winter or cold days, I prefer being a Night Owl, summer time I am an early bird :D!

In winter or cold days, I prefer being a Night Owl, summer time I am an early bird :D!

Both. During the week I average about 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night. Asleep by 12:30am or so, awake at around 6am- earlier if I'm hitting a sunrise shoot... I usually make up for that sleep on Saturday or Sunday morning.

I'm more energetic and productive in the morning, but not super early. Now that I'm retired I sleep usually 11:00 pm - 7:00 am. When I was teaching it was 11:00 - 6:00. I like the extra hour of sleep I get now. After a mid afternoon lull I can be productive until evening. I couldn't function on 4 hours sleep, Wendy - I don't know how you do it! I get super tired if I get less than 6 hours of sleep a couple of days in a row.

I am no longer sure exactly what I am by nature. I am up many days by 5am for my job but then many nights I am up until 1am. Sometimes they run together so 4 hours of sleep is all I get. I enjoy the morning hours but enjoy the late night hours too. I wonder when it becomes my time to retire from the day job if I will even pay attention to the clock at all. I have a feeling I may not. Just sleep when I feel like I am sleepy and get up when I wake up.

That sounds pretty good to me as I have never liked being a slave to the clock.

Early bird here, I like to paint with natural light also save money on the electricity.

Disclaimer: The Titles "In The Hand Of The Beholder" The Analysis Of A Near Death Encounter and "Memoirs And Dots" The Power To Connect Dots Of The Circle Of Life Is Rights Registered in accordance with Copyright Laws by the author Michael Joseph Hoard a future publication release.


Brook, that is a beautiful hand painted wall mural and wonderful forum.

I am both a night owl and day person, I spend my time connecting my personal dots day and night......, a night owl and an early bird, its the early bird who gets the worms....lol, lol, lol. When I am awake til 2 am, 3 am and 4 am I can sleep just a few short hours and feel like new....being retired has its advantages I report to no one but myself....and share my dots throughout the day or night with friends and strangers.... I work pretty much on my books "In The Hand Of The Beholder" The Analysis Of A Near Death Encounter And "Memoirs And Dots The Power To Connect The Dots To The Circle Of Life" my book projects are my real life experiences. It will make you want to cry or burst out laughing in stiches.

(passage from book) My life in suspended animation, viewing from above and watching the event of my near death encounter unfold. My lifeless body and the euphoric sense of calm and serenity, the return to the living world and the journey throughout life connecting and sharing dots of inspiration. We are not alone, we have each other to share life's experiences either moment or lifetime. Being terminal is just a condition you embrace the reality of the inevitable which is death. You let go, connect the dots and move along and complete the circle of life. We are created to take part in the pleasures of life we live and share. We live to die, every body, every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every month, every year an entire lifetime for death is only the beginning of a new state of awareness and consciousness. A dimension between thoughts and dreams the micro reality of a different type of existence.
.
Night or day I share my dots with friends and strangers, or work on other projects I stay up quite early in the morning. I always eat dinner at 10 pm, I know it sounds crazy, speak of crazy I have to laugh out loud. I once sat down and was talking to my mother, I said ma sometimes I feel like I am going crazy, my mother responded "Michael you are not crazy, only a doctor can tell you that" lol, lol Taking medicine at 10 pm and having dinner at that time of night works for me. I get up early head out all day pretty much and do my work at the coffee shop on St. Charles Ave.

I thought of you this Saturday the city wide memorial tribute to the 1,800 victims of Hurricane Katrina I took many photos and had the opportunity to take a photo of the State Governor wished him well and shook his hands.. friends said why did you do that? Why not? It not everyday you get to take a candid photo of a State Governor.. well I had my camera of course and he walked right towards me, I said hello Mr. Governor and good luck with your Presidential Race Good Luck. The burial grounds is at the end of Canal Street by the Potters Field unknown citizens and it was also the burial ground for unknown patients from Charity Hospital and yellow fever victims from 1800's .

The entire area reserved for the 1,800 victims of the flood is shaped like a hurricane the walls of crypts spiral outwards from the center which is the eye. Citizens pay respect to the unknown who's bodies were never claimed after the disaster. Here it is 2015 we are not in a 3rd world country yet parents, children, grand parents, uncles, aunts, our unknown families. 1,800 victims and unknown family heritages. In this day and age here in America surely after 10 years someone, somewhere thinks about their lost loved ones. So each year the citizens have claimed the unknown and pay respects to them.

In the center which is a circle (the eye of the storm) is a beautiful gold leaf flame which sets atop a pedestal. From there I went to Jefferson Davis Parkway and they dedicated a space of the Neutral Ground (the Median) for Youth Artist and mentors who created banners flags depicting the disaster. They can be purchased and the young artist rehang new ones mounted at the site. The long banners are suspended from crosses and gives the green space vibrant colors and the work the young artist do is sensational. It is now a place for citizens and visitors see the painted banners depicting destruction and transformed into beautiful art as they flutter is gentle winds unlike that living night from hell. The future artist of New Orleans looking towards their bright futures. The program sponsored by The Arts Council Of New Orleans, YaYa another program where they recycle used furniture and other remnants and paint colorful designs, the proceeds go directly into funds for Art Education for the future Art Districts in the surrounding parishes. During the official ceremony of the memorial the young artist and mentor spoke of their individual losses.

Because of my strong belief these young youth of today are mindset for a better future for all, I spoke with the directors and mention I would offer selected photos here at Fine Art America and turn over sales money for the programs future. If my images I have taken since 10 years old to present 54 years will help in any way the future of young Artist of Tomorrow then I have accomplished all their is as a photographer for a worthy cause.

Then I went just a block away to the neighborhood street party. Two second lines merged on the area from the Treme and Mercedes Superdome and the city partied to food and live music Everyone shared their personal story's, friends, neighbors and strangers, I met first responders, police officers, nurses, under the intense circumstances they did the best job they possibly could to save lives and respectively take care of the deceased without giving a second thought putting their very own lifes in danger, during and after one of America's most deadliest and costly natural diasters.

Cheers, Michael Hoard Principal Actor, Artist, Photographer and Writer

I really wish I could be an early bird sometimes. I've heard the dawn light is wonderful for outdoor photography and there are great birds in the morning that are harder to find later in the day, but I wouldn't know it from experience. It's 12:38 AM and I'm still sitting at my computer. Not a whole lot of light to photograph with right now.

In spite of being a night owl, I have managed to get up on a few occasions for early morning shooting. I'm fine once I'm up and really enjoy the quiet, fewer people, the light etc etc but I think my natural rhythm is really later, so it can be a bit tricky trying to sleep enough before an early morning anything...

Susan, different topics! Lol. You are in Pennsylvania?

Brian, I always enjoy your work! A little humor goes a long way, as well. We are alike in preferring the night time for its many pluses, including the quiet. Get more done then & can think more clearly. Hard to stop the flow, though, knowing you need to get some sleep before everyone else wakes up...and wakes you up! Lol.

Eyup, southeastern corner. I can drive from PA through MD and DE and back home again in 20 minutes.

Maryland! What's it like!? Sorta been thinkin' of moving there to be nearer my sis who lives in Virginia! Wow, 3 states in a 20 minutes? Cool. Visiting family?

I'm from Maryland Brooks. Raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and had a career in Baltimore. I like the variety, (America In Miniature), but not the politics or taxes!

Needless to say it's 12 midnight and I'm wide awake.... So yes I'm a night owl!! Definitely effects my photography because its so hard to get up early to get sunrise or birds at their busiest time but I have to force myself because that morning shot might just be the one. Like others I do most of my processing at night when there's no other distractions.

Some times I'm going to bed as my husband's get up for work.

Thanks for the feedback, Brian! First-hand knowledge & experiences are welcome. I was thinking more toward the south of Maryland near Virginia. Looks to be so beautiful. Sent away for their Visitor's Guide & packet, plus am asking & talking to others re. Every little bit helps. Negatives besides the higher taxes & politics [for you]?

I'm with ya, Deborah! Lights are never out until around 3 a.m. for me, as well.

I can't tell you much about Maryland, I've never lived there and have never really spent time there. I lived in DE for 20 years before moving here in 2003. NJ before that, born and raised in NY, on Long Island. I'm not sure what the question about family is about, I don't have any locally, unless my husby counts.

Early Bird. When 9pm comes around it's hard for me to stay awake. My body has just been programmed to where I'm usually in bed around 9pm and up around 5am. I have an 8-5 job and have to get my daughter off to school so don't have much of a choice. Even on weekends, it's hard for me to sleep in past 7am. Sometimes I can make it to 8am but not very often (that would be sleeping in for me). I used to be a Night Owl when I was younger.

Well Brooks, I've never heard anyone complain about being under-taxed. ;)

Hi Jennifer! You're right. We're all usually hard-wired one way or the other. I think a lot of people who 'have' to get up early for work, jolted awake by alarms and, then, jacked up with cups of coffee, may actually 'think' they're early birds, but, in reality, may really be night owls...or they wouldn't need all that help to get going or stay alert during the day! Lol.
I didn't realize I was a night owl until I didn't have to fit into an early-morning schedule. You're lucky to have made the change naturally! I wish I could say waking at 8 is sleeping in for me, as well. Used to be!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

This is a great topic Brooks, thanks for posting it. I think you are exactly right about people who have to get up early with help from alarm clocks assuming themselves to be early birds, but they are not really.

When I was self-employed working in the I.T business I often had to be up early to attend so called "breakfast meetings", arranged by clients. I would assume the people who arranged these meetings were early birds, and therefor expected everybody else to be the same. In my experience they generally consisted of one or two early birds taking charge of proceedings, and twenty or so ashen faced attendees (of which I was usually one) downing gallons of coffee to try and look alert! Regardless of what time I had gone to bed the previous night, I would still feel like the walking dead! Definitely not my way of being productive.

I'm a big fan of the Moody Blues and remember seeing an interview with Justin Hayward a couple of years ago on this very subject. He said that he is definitely a night owl, and he loves the hours between 2am and 4am when the world is still and quiet, and he is without doubt at his most productive in that time. I agree 100% with him. I'm sure if not for the daily constraints of earning a living and raising a family most of us would fall into our own sleep routines, and we would probably all be different!

I should have known that among artists I would not feel so out of the ordinary as a nocturne. Kewlnitude!

David, thanks for the 'thanks'...and for your post! First-hand experience & all. So many others in similar positions, some family & friends, haven't a clue re or taken the time to even find out what their natural energy levels or individual sleep patterns/internal clock might be. Would probably come as a big surprise, since they 'live' by the alarm, caffeine first thing, sugar highs, alcohol to soothe & jobs that aren't making their day. Even on vacation, they wake to an alarm.

Funny thing about that is, on vacation, I will actually go to bed & wake up earlier! No projects to create or paintings to work on or computer work to do or shops to manage or networking, on-line, anyway! Off goes the TV & cell phone, etc. Communing with those around you & nature can't help but put us into a more natural state & rhythm. I'm certain all the gadgetry & electronic-digital stimuli really works havoc upon our sense of balance, calm & attitude.

I understand the need to make the most of the daylight hours, especially when folks need to fit into certain schedules re planned activities, making a living & all. But, 'funny' that those who burn the midnight oil are subject to ridicule from certain judgmental early birds, especially when it comes to the the 'L' word, 'lazy'. So rude. No, we are not lazy! In fact, I am quite the worker bee & project-oriented person. Even though 'we' sleep later [sometimes], it all equals out in the end. We are not sleeping MORE, we are simply going to bed later, which means we get up a little later!

My husband is a morning person & works a day job. He can hardly sleep past 8, even on the weekend when he has gone to bed at 3 after playing a night gig. He becomes like the 'walking dead' at around 8:30-9 at night just when I'm beginning to hit my creative stride or am ready to take my walk! If he has a gig after work, he has to take a nap before. The problem is, we are both still messing with our natural tendencies in order to compromise: he making an effort to stay awake later and I making an effort to curb the really late nights. Neither of us do caffeine, drugs or liquor to mask or modify our behavior, yet neither of us is operating at our optimum levels either. It's usually me who feels the need to conform with 'majority rules' [rising with the sun or earlier than I'd like], inside & outside the home, especially when we have company or are visiting friends/family. That can cause another problem...anxiety!

Brian, no one wants to pay higher taxes, certainly!? We have it pretty good here in OR, re both, taxes & politics. Life in Ashland is, I'm finding, a hard act to follow. Higher taxes would not be a welcome change, nom but it's getting to be that time where I might want to be nearer family and that means VA, in my case. So, I'm checking out surrounding areas, which includes Maryland. Want to be close, but not 'that' close. Wondering what paying higher taxes get you there, if anything, besides a headache?!

For some reason, Susan, I thought you were from England? Lol. Must've seen the Nottingham & read Nottinghill! Better reading glasses, perhaps. Thus, my asking if you were here visiting family. Simple as that. No biggie. Over & out.

Here's an interesting read re sleep habits! Didn't realize there were 5 or more cycles, until a friend informed me that she falls into what's called a Biphasic or Segmented Sleep Cycle. Normally, she'll sleep for a few hours, wake for a couple, then, snooze for several more before waking for the day.
There's also the Everyman, Uberman & Siesta sleep-awake patterns, as well. Surprising to see only 5% of the population needing less than 6 hours! Check this out:
http://blog.downlinens.com/find-more-time-in-the-day-5-alternative-sleep-cycles/

Interesting read, Brooks. I'm thinking I may fall into the segmented type of sleep cycle. I'm retired, but M-F I get up at 5:45am to get my grandsons up to catch their school bus at 6:30. Then I'm normally up all day, and later in the evening I'll fall asleep in my chair for 2-3 hours, waking up around 10-11pm, then stay up another hour or so before going to bed, before getting up at 5:45am and starting the cycle all over again. Sleeping late on the weekend might be until 6:30 or 7am. Later on rare occasions.

I went to sleep at around midnight last night, got up at 4:45am for the sunrise this morning... As an addition to my previous message I definitely seem to lean towards night owl, BUT I love being out early in the morning although my body tends to disagree when I'm trying to get out of bed lol. The sad part is I will most likely be editing my photos that I took this morning until 11 or later tonight. Then, repeat the process again tomorrow morning.

Although it is tough to get up sometimes, sunrise is a great time to be out taking photos.

So much for the popular belief that we all need 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep for optimum healthy, longevity & daily brain function?! I know people who get the 'desired' amount and aren't firing on all cylinders, as well as those who get way less or who fit into one of the sleep habits above and do perfectly fine. How well that bodes in the long run, who knows? But, we are always changing & adapting, so to each their own. Everyone finds their own rhythm & balance.

Greg, we do need less sleep as we get older 'they' say. Sounds like what you're doing is working for you and your current life/schedule. Impressed, btw. I'm sure your little grands appreciate granddad being there for them. What some grandparents would give to be doing the same! Thanks for posting.

Welcome back, Toby! Seems like you do fit the night owl slot, yes. You are one of the lucky ones, needing less sleep than most of us. And, you're right about getting up early to catch & capture the sunrise; worth willing the ol' bod into action when it's doesn't necessarily want to go along with the program. Lol. Certainly, early mornings are as magical as the twilight hours!

Have a great day, everyone! Feel free to join in with your own thoughts, ideas and/or info re the topic!

I miss 'our' Marlene being a part of the conversation!

Ahhh, the age old question-- early bird or night owl? At this point in the game, I would say that I am still both. I used to be primarily an early bird, but now I go in phases of being one or the other. However, I find myself leaning more and more toward being a night owl. It depends on the circumstances.

Like many others have said before me, I truly enjoy the early morning hours when all is quiet. There's nothing as sublime as going to a nearby nature conservancy and watching the sunrise in silence. When I have a large translation project that I'm working on, morning is best for me because that is when I'm at my intellectual peak. I can translate much more efficiently earlier in the day as opposed to later.

Over the past few years though, as the visual artist in me has begun to resurface, my creativity comes alive at night and I cannot go to sleep if the creative synapses are firing in my mind. Late at night is as enjoyable as early morning, but in different ways. Each holds its own respective magic. I feel fortunate that I can adapt to either, so long as I keep my life free of stress and anxiety. I, too, am a creature who's sensitive to changes in the light, so in winter I have to be careful to maintain a 'natural' circadian rhythm or else I'm in for a downward spiral. Living in Buffalo makes it easier to maintain that as opposed to the 6 years that I lived in Chicago and Milwaukee. Those are 2 great cities, but being on the extreme eastern edge of the central time zone wreaked havoc on my circadian rhythm in winter. (It's no fun being so sensitive to my surroundings.)

On the subject of sleep, whether you have trouble getting to sleep, or you're a fan of contemporary classical style music, I recommend checking out Max Richter's album SLEEP. It is an 8-hour album designed for, as the title suggests, sleep, or at the very least, slowing down your mind. It's the perfect accompaniment to working in the studio as I'm winding down for slumber. =)

http://pitchfork.com/news/60011-max-richter-announces-eight-hour-album-sleep/

Rahdne, thanks for coming on board with your comments & very interesting link! Appreciate it, my friend. Interesting & insightful post, as always....and, to your point[s], the article-link posted below pertains to our internal circadian biological clocks which regulate the timing of periods of sleepiness and wakefulness throughout the day. Here's a short excerpt:
'The circadian rhythm dips and rises at different times of the day, so adults' strongest sleep drive generally occurs between 2:00-4:00 am and in the afternoon between 1:00-3:00 pm, although there is some variation depending on whether you are a “morning person” or “evening person.” The sleepiness we experience during these circadian dips will be less intense if we have had sufficient sleep, and more intense when we are sleep deprived. The circadian rhythm also causes us to feel more alert at certain points of the day, even if we have been awake for hours and our sleep/wake restorative process would otherwise make us feel more sleepy.'
Click on this to read more:
http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock

I guess I fall into both categories,...staying out the entire night at times thru sunrise and beyond.

Being at a location where and when others are unlikely to be,...assures a fresh viewpoint with interesting possibilities.

I do not think one is better than another, but rather the richness each offers if explored over time and conditions.

I also find it a spiritual experience being out there alone with my thoughts,...being aware and observing time pass as the light and nature slowly evolve into unpredictable capture possibilities.

Even an unfruitful outing adventure is better than a good day in the office though.

Paying attention to all that surrounds me, taking it in and exploring the cameras mechanical options of f stops, shutter speeds, new and tried techniques constantly teach me to rely on patience and observation.

Having a place like FAA to share my particular viewpoint with others more talented than I is a humbling experience as I continue to grow over time.

I say thank you many times to the power that is greater than myself ,....for the gift of being able to pursue what I love doing in this life.

Am getting too philosophical and off subject now.

Just my thoughts.

Marty, that was really lovely. Glad I'm awake to read it. :-)

After just a few hours of sleep the night before, I was really sleepy today (Saturday) and dozed off mid-afternoon. On waking, I felt like a million bucks -- wide awake -- and was sure I'd slept at least 6 or 8 quality hours.

Then I looked at the time.

I'd slept 37 minutes.

~ sigh ~

On the upside, while I was sleeping I dreamed that I'd been hired to convert an old, one-room schoolhouse into a comfortable family home. Shopping for plumbing fixtures was a blast, as always. DIY on the astral plane = good times! :-)

Here I am, perusing the FAA message boards at 3 A.M. Hoot hoot.

J L, I finally signed off and watched movies, instead. Saw the most recent, most awesome, version of Jane Eyre; a great use of should-be-sleeping time! :-)

Sorry I missed you, Wendy & J L. Was awake myself, just not on-site. Amazingly refreshing 37-minute 'nap', Wendy! Maybe not what you wanted, but all you needed!? Sounds good to me.

I agree, lovely post from Marty! Btw, Marty, no, not too philosophical...and, according to others posting before you, you are not alone in being both night owl & early bird! Fabulous that you can choose your hours & are enjoying what you're doing! A gift, truly.

Check out the links above, everyone, including Rahdne's.

One of my faves, Wendy, Jane Eyre!

There's just not a one-size-fits-all sleep-awake model for us to follow for optimum health & energy, but rather many variations-on-a-theme, we're finding. It's a personal thing, up to the individual. Whatever works.
After reading everyone's comments & checking out some articles-sites re, I'm not even sure where I fit anymore? Lol. Always considered myself a night owl, so it would be nice to find out what my natural rhythms are at this juncture in life. That's going to be a little difficult to do right now as I have to fit-in with other's waking-activity schedule, mainly the motley construction crew that arrives next door at 6:30 every morning! Oy. My former 'normal' sleep pattern is all mixed up...and I'm feeling it. Hope to get back on-track soon!

More comments, links, articles, stories, etc., are welcome! Have a great day/night/morning.