5 hidden benefits of being a night owl

MORNING people or early birds are often praised for being more productive and efficient, but night owls are overlooked, and many people whose internal sleep schedule makes them sleep later, are often as productive and efficient in their personal and work lives. The scientific name for your preferred waking and sleeping schedule is called your chronotype, and it’s partially controlled by your genes.

ALSO READ: 5 benefits of being an early bird

Those with an early chronotype (morning people) do get one major advantage: Their internal clock is more closely aligned with school and work schedules that govern most days of the week. People with late chronotypes who are forced to stick to a typical 9 to 5 schedule — despite their natural sleep preferences — can experience a phenomenon called ‘social jet lag’. And there is some scientific evidence that points to some unique benefits of having a late chronotype. Here are five ways that being a night owl can actually be a positive thing.

1. Workplace flexibility

Night owls, like all employees, must adapt to a typical 9–5 schedule. But the advantage is that night owls can thrive on a typical schedule and also adapt easily to a less-standard day or extended hours. This capability allows the night person to excel on late-night shifts as an employee or handle extended hours as a business owner.

2. Strength to meet deadlines

Just because night owls aren’t up early doesn’t mean they can’t get work done. You may be a person whose productivity increases in the evening, and when deadlines come close, you can put in the extra hours then. That means that on workdays that last longer than usual, you still have time in the evening to relax.

3. Extended career-related availability

Being able to have a lucid conversation in the evening can be a significant benefit for those who must work late or have colleagues in different time zones. Your freshness and availability can portray you to people working in different time zones as hard-working and flexible.

4. Energy to Tend to Young Children

While the morning person can handle childcare and school preparedness in the morning, the night owl is invaluable in watching over young children at nighttime. You have the energy to spend quality time with them, watch or play games, read to the, and get them ready for bed.

5. Professional Connectedness

When you are travelling on business, you have the energy to interact with colleagues or customers during conferences, remote meetings, and site visits. When the mandatory tasks are done during the workday, during evening sessions, you can get to know people and connect with them beyond the business niceties. Late-night chats, for example, can be rewarding on a personal level and lead to business opportunities that may not otherwise materialise.

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