You may have heard the saying ‘the early bird gets the worm’, but actually, night owls deserve more credit. Recent research found that night owls scored better on cognitive tests, which relates to the brain’s ability to think, learn and remember. So, could being a night owl be a secret superpower?
Evening energy
One of the best things about being a night owl is that you tend to feel more energised later in the day, with bursts of inspiration and creativity hitting you in the evening, when other people are winding down. This is perfect for diving into creative projects after school, when most people are too tired to focus. While others may struggle to find the energy to pursue their passions in the evenings, night owls can keep going much longer, which gives them a major advantage when it comes to getting things done.
Mornings can be hectic, with everyone rushing around to get out the door, and school days are packed with learning. But evenings offer a quiet space where night owls can thrive. Whether it’s working on a new skill, tackling a creative project, or even getting ahead on homework, night owls have the energy and extra time to make the most of the calm after a busy day. Lots of successful people are night owls, such as Lady Gaga, and former US president Barack Obama who called himself a ‘night guy’, saying that he considered the long, solitary hours after dark as essential during his time in the White House.
How to find your rhythm
Balbir Bansi, a school counsellor in West London and Berkshire, says that ‘although there are many ways you can use being a night owl to your advantage, it can also be difficult as school timetables often favour early risers’. So what can night owls do to make the most of this natural rhythm while balancing it with daytime demands? Here are four things that Balbir recommends:
Good quality sleep
Night owls might love staying up late, especially when inspiration strikes or productivity kicks in. But if late nights leave you struggling to wake up for school and feeling drained all day, it could end up doing more harm than good.
Getting good quality sleep should be a priority for everyone, but Balbir advises that particularly for night owls, ‘having a good wind-down routine to ensure you still get eight to ten hours’ sleep is important. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, things such as having a warm shower before bed, taking time away from screens at least an hour before bedtime and reading or writing your journal before bed can be a good way to signal to your body that it is time to rest.’
Get organised
Prioritising tasks can be a game-changer for night owls. By planning ahead, you can save your most important or creative work for when you’re naturally energised in the evening, and tackle easier tasks earlier in the day. This way, you avoid last-minute stress and late-night cramming, making it easier to stay on top of homework and other responsibilities, plus, you’ll actually get to enjoy those evening bursts of creativity. But, Balbir suggests not being over-ambitious about what can be achieved in one evening, so you don’t end up staying up too late and feeling tired in the day.
Be consistent
Although it can be tempting to stay up later on some nights, especially if you don’t feel sleepy, inconsistent bedtimes can throw you off track. For example, say you stay up late one night working on an essay, your body might get used to that schedule. Then, on mornings when you need to be up early for something such as a sports practice, it can make you feel out of sorts. Balbir suggests setting a limit with yourself, like deciding on a consistent ‘lights out’ time you can enjoy the best of both worlds – making the most of your night-time energy without spoiling your days.