Sleep is the pinnacle of self-care. Getting more of it. Getting better quality. I won't argue that sleep quality and quantity is awesome. But why is there a weird emphasis on waking up early?
When you search for advice on better sleep, most of the advice tells you that you really ought to be waking up early. Yet, it seems to be common knowledge that different people work better at different times of the day. Our work environments are beginning to reflect that understanding. No longer are we tied to a desk 8 to 5. Core operating hours and flex schedules allow the flexibility that our lives, and our sleep schedules, necessitate.
Instead of accepting that everyone's life is different, the quantity of morning routines and wake early challenges seems to be growing exponentially.
I've been watching recently as an influencer I follow regularly pursues a personal growth challenge. For a month, they're setting an alarm and waking up at 5:00 am. The purpose of the early wake up call is noteworthy - they're adding a 20-20-20 sequence involving 20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of meditation, and 20 minutes dedicated to personal growth. That's all well and good.
But this person is self-employed! They work completely from home. On their own schedule.
Why on earth wake up at 5:00 am?
Does it matter that they do their arguably super healthy routine completely before the sun comes up? Or would the routine be just as helpful at 10 am? Or 6 pm? Why do we pressure ourselves to adhere to some standard that doesn't fit our lives?
So I'm here to officially give you permission. If you work better with more sleep in the morning hours, you're fine. If you are happy and fulfilled staying up until 2 am every night, more power to you. There's nothing wrong with you.