For all Nightowls: Scientific proof we're not "just being lazy".

Our internal clocks are individually encoded, with most people falling in the middle range of a 24-hour cycle, but there are many outliers – including night owls – whose clocks are out of sync.

One in 75 people are predicted to have the “night owl mutation” in clock protein CRY1, delaying sleepiness until the wee hours. Not only does this make it harder for night owls to wake up in the morning, but their longer-than-a-day internal clocks puts them in a perpetual state of jet lag.

For night owls, the sleep cycle is largely beyond their control.

For the full article: http://www.9news.com.au/world/2017/09/19/13/56/body-clock-genetic-mutation-reset

Hanna Hensen, from Researchers for Neuroscience Research Australia, said nightly shut-eye influenced the function of key organs and was an important time to process information and strengthen neural connections.

"Inadequate or poor sleep can have a direct impact on mental health effecting depression, anxiety and emotional instability," Dr Hensen said today.

"A good night sleep can improve mental health, general wellbeing, and boost workplace productivity.

Read the full article here: http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/10/07/09/10/two-in-five-aussies-don-t-get-enough-sleep

Sanicle wrote:3AM!  My goodness.  I'm starting to think about going to bed around then!  (Ah, the joys of being retired and being able to live on my own natural schedule now.)

Yes, I'm sure there are many more of we nightowls in the world than society realizes.  Do you think your two suffer for having to 'fit in' Carol?