The Advantages of Being a Night Owl

When it comes to productivity, stereotypes have placed Night Owls at a disadvantage compared to their Early Bird counterparts. They were assumed to be poor employees due to their nocturnal living habits, which were believed to stifle their productivity. However, with the rise of the internet culture, which has a significant number of Night Owls, recent studies have shown that active night workers can be just as effective as early risers, if not more. Here are some of the advantages of being a Night Owl that have been discovered through studies:

1. Unique Energy Bursts in the Evening
Contrary to popular belief, Night Owls do not have consistently low energy levels throughout the day. According to studies, Night Owls have a natural energy peak in the evening, which makes them feel refreshed and alert. This is bad for their sleeping patterns but great for their productivity, as they have an energy burst that their Early Bird counterparts do not experience. Early birds tend to exhaust their energy throughout the day without having a significant surge of energy in the morning.

2. Greater Success Rates
The assumption that Night Owls are less productive and less successful than their Early Bird counterparts is a misconception. Studies have shown that successful people like Barack Obama, current US President, and many others are Night Owls. Several studies have confirmed that Night Owls have a higher chance of making it in the world, so Night Owls can rest assured that they are in good company.

3. Statistically More Intelligent
According to a study conducted at the London School of Economics and Political Science, a correlation exists between high IQ and adaptive behaviour and the genetic predisposition of being a Night Owl. While this is not a rule set in stone, it shows that Night Owls tend to be more intelligent and adaptive than Early Birds.

4. Better Concentration After Long Hours
In a study involving a team of scientists from Belgium and Switzerland, researchers compared the productivity and concentration levels of 16 early birds and 15 night owls. Although both groups performed similarly in the beginning, early birds started lagging behind around the 10-hour mark. During the research, MRIs were used to monitor the regions of the brain responsible for focus, attention, and concentration. The results showed that Night Owls have an advantage in terms of their ability to concentrate, which can contribute to their productivity.

5. Flexible Sleeping Schedule
People who are Night Owls have an easier time adjusting to the 9 to 5 schedule than Early Birds. With a bit of effort, Night Owls can readjust their schedules and remain productive. Moreover, the energy boost that happens in the evenings can still apply, allowing Night Owls to tackle any pending business and put in some extra effort.

While depression rates are three times higher among Night Owls compared to their Early Bird counterparts, this is due to a deficiency of Vitamin D caused by less exposure to sunlight. Night Owls must spend some time outdoors in the sunlight and take care of their physical health to reduce depression rates. Additionally, Night Owls can socialize and avoid loneliness, which can lead to depression.

The stereotype that Night Owls are bad employees is outdated and has no factual basis. Approximately a quarter of the world’s population is Night Owls, with many of them well-suited to night-time online jobs. As a result, Night Owls should not face prejudice in the hiring process due to outdated beliefs. In addition, with the rise of the online business model and globalization of work environments, more people can work flexible schedules, better accommodating Night Owls.

In conclusion, being a Night Owl has many advantages for your productivity and success. Night Owls should take care of their mental and physical health, such as getting enough sunlight and avoiding too much solitude. With proper care, Night Owls can thrive in their professional and personal lives.