The Cyclic Nature of Biological Processes
The cyclic nature of biological processes has been known for a long time. Even Seneca noticed it. Two and a half centuries ago, people recognized that living organisms have their own “internal clocks” that shape how they function. Take the rooster, for example—it’s not just a timekeeper; it’s a full-fledged alarm system.
In this century, we have become particularly interested in biorhythmology. With rapid advances in technology, aviation, and space exploration, researchers want to understand how those changes 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 that 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. Research has also shown that the likelihood of traffic accidents is high between 9 AM and 10 AM and between 2 PM and 3 PM, when both drivers and pedestrians are still “fresh.” Those same hours also see a spike in workplace injuries. Science can offer concrete 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 from the Vladivostok Medical Institute shows distinct peaks in mental and physical activity. 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, because a physiological decline begins around 10 PM to 11 PM. After midnight, falling asleep becomes increasingly difficult, a trend especially noticeable in children and the elderly. The best time to wake up is between 4 AM and 5 AM, which is often the most productive hour of the day. 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 largely the case. We can’t easily “retrain” or completely override our biorhythms. If someone works at night, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a natural “night owl”; it could simply be that the quiet of the night brings fewer distractions. A true “night owl” will often find themselves yawning during the day. If a “night owl” tries to go to bed at 9 PM, they’ll likely struggle and won’t suddenly 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 doing so. Some claim they work best at night. Biorhythms can be misleading: one peak of activity may occur around midnight, but a decline follows, leading to exhaustion. It’s generally better to set an alarm for 5 AM and aim for a 9 PM bedtime.
