The Cyclic Nature of Biological Processes
The cyclic nature of biological processes has been known for a long time. For instance, even Seneca was aware of it. Two and a half centuries ago, it was established that living organisms have their own “internal clocks” that dictate how they function. Take the rooster, for example—it’s not just a clock; it’s a full-fledged alarm system.
In this century, we have become particularly interested in biorhythmology. With rapid advancements in technology, aviation, and space exploration, we are keen to understand how these factors affect the well-being of train conductors, pilots, and astronauts. Consider population migration: when a person relocates, say, to a village a thousand kilometers away from their hometown, will this change their health? Will moving impact their longevity, genetics, or productivity? These are the questions we, as biorhythmologists, seek to answer.
Concrete Examples
It’s well-known that drivers need to be especially vigilant between 6 PM and 7 PM—by evening, drivers are fatigued, and pedestrians are tired after a long day at work. However, research has shown that the likelihood of traffic accidents is also quite high between 9 AM and 10 AM and 2 PM and 3 PM, when both drivers and pedestrians are still “fresh.” Interestingly, these same hours also see a spike in workplace injuries. Science can provide valuable recommendations to business leaders and occupational safety specialists.
When Should We Sleep?
“Early or late” means different things to different people. So when is the best time to go to bed? Research conducted by scientists at the Vladivostok Medical Institute demonstrates that the dynamics of mental and physical activity have their peaks. These peaks occur around 5 AM to 6 AM, 11 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 5 PM, 8 PM to 9 PM, and midnight to 1 AM. Our productivity is at its lowest between 2 AM and 3 AM, 9 AM and 10 AM, 2 PM and 3 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM, and 10 PM and 11 PM. The optimal time to go to sleep is between 9 PM and 10 PM, as a physiological decline begins around 10 PM to 11 PM. After midnight, falling asleep becomes increasingly difficult, a trend particularly noticeable in children and the elderly. The best time to wake up is between 4 AM and 5 AM, which is the most productive time in a person’s life. Unfortunately, we often miss this hour…
What About Night Owls and Early Birds?
So what about “night owls” and “early birds”? Does that mean there are no distinct types of productivity?
Biologically speaking, that’s exactly the case! We cannot “retrain” or overcome our biorhythms. However, if someone works at night, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a “night owl.” It could simply be that the quiet of the night allows for fewer distractions. Naturally, a “night owl” will find themselves yawning throughout the day. If a “night owl” tries to go to bed at 9 PM, they will soon discover that they have become an “early bird”! People often misjudge their peaks of activity and plan their workdays incorrectly. As a result, they struggle to keep up, take work home, and even take pride in it. Some claim they work best at night. But biorhythms can deceive us: one peak of activity does indeed occur at midnight. However, a decline inevitably follows, leading to exhaustion. It’s better to set an alarm for 5 AM and go to bed at 9 PM.