Since I’m writing this at 1 a.m., It’s safe to say I qualify as a night owl. However, with dual credit classes starting at 7:15 a.m., I have had to adjust to the early bird schedule. But which of the two is truly better for school? Is it true the early bird gets the worm, or is the night owl quietly winning after hours? The truth is that early birds and night owls have various positives and negatives, but it comes down to consistency and how you manage your schedule.
The phrase “the early bird gets the worm” might seem cliche, but its origin goes back to William Camden’s 1605 book of proverbs, “Remaines Concerning Britaine.” Despite its 419-year longevity, the saying still holds today, especially for students.
For instance, a study by the University of North Texas (UNT) demonstrated that early birds had a grade point average (GPA) higher than night owls. This difference in GPAs may be attributed to early risers tending to be more proactive and thorough, which translates to overall academic success.
Additionally, waking up early also comes with the perk of having more time in the morning for activities like eating breakfast, exercising, studying, or reading, which all positively impact a student’s mental health. When anyone can adequately take care of themselves before tending to other responsibilities, they create a sense of control and set a positive tone for the rest of their day.
However, if early birds are forced to stay up late, they may struggle with potential burnout. Sometimes, late-night studying cannot be helped, but this significantly impacts those who naturally wake up early since their circadian rhythms misalign and clash with a late-night or night-shift schedule. As a result, students may wake up tired or groggy and, over time, face potential burnout.
Yet, not everyone wakes up on the right side of the bed—some simply hit the snooze button more than once before rolling out of it. For these people, mornings can feel like a battle to get started, while evenings offer a quiet time with no distractions to get everything done.
One of the benefits of “burning the midnight oil” is increased creative breakthroughs. Creatives like Louise Bourgeois, Philip Guston, Pablo Picasso, and Joseph Cornell all produced their best works late at night. This is likely because night owls are less distracted and relaxed at night and can think abstractly.
Further, late risers have superior cognitive function and perform better on cognitive tests. A study by Imperial College London utilized data from the UK Biobank study on more than 26,000 people who had completed various tests. By comparing this data to their sleep profiles, researchers found that those who stayed up late had superior cognitive performance. Increased mental performance means enhanced reasoning, problem-solving skills, and intellectual ability, significantly contributing to school performance.
Nonetheless, night owls also have a negative aspect: a negative effect on one’s mental health. For instance, consistently going to bed late and disrupting sleep patterns has been linked to a higher risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. These can negatively affect a student’s academic performance and overall well-being.
So, which is truly better for school? The truth is both early birds and night owls have their advantages and disadvantages. Everyone is different, and no one’s circadian rhythm will be the same as the next; therefore, everyone has different sleep needs. The key is consistency and sustainability. Whether it’s sticking to a morning or night routine, make your schedule work for you and your needs and ensure it continues working over time.
