Sure, if you continue going to bed at 2am and having to work at 9, then I can see how it can become a health risk. But if your body doesn't adjust after a week of going to bed at 11pm, then you probably should see your doctor.
> But if your body doesn't adjust after a week of going to bed at 11pm
That's not the problem. The problem is getting to sleep before 2am after having gone to bed at 11pm. My general answer has been 6+ alarms in the morning, lots of morning caffeine in the form of sugary energy drinks, and small-to-medium amounts of sleep deprivation to "fix" that issue (accepting a certain baseline level of exhaustion to enable me to fall asleep at 11pm.) It works, but it's far from optimal. I'm not going to whine about it on a day-to-day basis - that would be petulant - but I am going to feign mock horror and incredulity about the existence of morning people, if only for my own amusement. I'm not going to pretend it's not a thing.
Recently, I cut back to near-zero caffeine - as I've done many times before - and found myself naturally adjusting to a morning-biased, 24 hour schedule - for the first time in decades. This was such a startling change that I'm only half joking when I say I thought about seeing a doctor. But I imagine this is merely what life has been like for, say, the likes of you - all along. Perfectly natural. Nothing to panic about.
> found myself naturally adjusting to a morning-biased, 24 hour schedule
So have you stuck with this? Or do you prefer the excitement of not knowing?
I think I may - possibly through my own hyperbole - given the impression that I'm some sort of narcoleptic unicorn that can sleep on command, but really that's not the case at all. I've experienced plenty of trouble sleeping at various points in my life, but very rarely was it because I was 'a night owl' or 'a morning person', but more that I was stressed, or drinking too much coffee, or too much alcohol, etc., etc.
But, like you, I've got it under control mainly through common sense. At no point did I ever feel like it was my employer that had the problem because they expected me there at 9am.
For the past 2 weeks, at least. It is very strange.
> I think I may - possibly through my own hyperbole - given the impression that I'm some sort of narcoleptic unicorn that can sleep on command
No, but you've given the impression that you at least have it more under control than I've had it. I mentioned 6+ alarms earlier - this is not hyperbole, there have been times when it's been a regular thing, and on more than one occasion I have slept through them all. Rather embarrassing.
> But, like you, I've got it under control mainly through common sense.
I'm not sure what I've done qualifies as common sense. The amount of sugary energy drinks I've consumed (hating coffee) cannot in any way be considered healthy - I'm lucky my family isn't prone to diabetes, and that the headaches only last a couple days when going cold turkey. While my constitution can bare it, what I've done would probably kill others. The sleep deprivation is not healthy either. I've controlled it, yes - but at what cost?
> At no point did I ever feel like it was my employer that had the problem because they expected me there at 9am.
I don't see it as a blame thing. But I've had employers offer "core hours" that didn't start until 11am, and taken advantage of that as a nice common sense perk that balances the need for collaboration and people's different schedules in what's hopefully a win for both myself (better health and happiness) and the company (better productivity).
All other things equal between two job offers, and I will absolutely take the one with more flexible hours. And I will continue to do so even if I somehow end up permanently transforming into not-a-night-owl - because there will be times I get stressed, drink too many energy drinks, etc. etc. - and I would argue that this is the common sense choice for both me and for my employer.
And then doctor will say: it's normal, don't worry, just shift your working hours to match your cycle. ;-)
Typical programmer is introvert phlegmatic or melancholic.
Quote:
Respecting the Daily Cycle
The daily circadian cycle is divided into four six hour periods, with each one having a different nature and temperament. The temperaments of these different periods need to be respected.
The six hour period surrounding noon is the period of maximum light, heat and activity; its temperament is Choleric. Accordingly, one should remain active at midday, from 9 AM to 3 PM, and not sleep or nap during this period.
Conversely, the opposing six hour period surrounding midnight, from 9 PM to 3 AM, is Phlegmatic, being the coldest, darkest and most passive/quiet period of the day. Accordingly, one should be either sleeping or winding down the day's activities to a close during this period. For the sake of one's health, one should start winding down at 9 PM and try to get to bed by 10 PM or not long thereafter. Going to bed later than this aggravates nervous tension and fatigue.
The other two six hour periods between these two polarities are transitional periods, and surround sunrise and sunset, which are the transitions between daytime and nighttime. The Sanguine period, surrounding sunrise, is the period of awakening. The Melancholic period, surrounding sunset, is a period of a gradual tapering off of the day's activities and the shift to a more quiet, contemplative evening mode.
