The World Needs Nighlifers (Night Owls)

The Universe Does Not Sleep

Try to imagine a world where no person is willing to stay up and keep society going.

Not only do some daylifers find us enigmatic, but we also seem to get on their nerves. Maybe they're jealous. After all, night owls are known for being more creative, intelligent, and adaptable. Or, maybe they believe we couldn’t possibly be productive and useful members of society. After all, our efforts often go unnoticed. Still, we can’t blame the daylifers—they’re sleeping, and it’s hard for them to embrace the fact that a day is 24 hours and not the conventional 14 to 16 hours they’re awake. Granted, the sun dictates the most active time for humans, but even thousands of years before the invention of the light bulb, someone had to sacrifice sleep for survival. Someone had to stay up and stoke the fire, watch out for saber tooth tigers, tend to the young, and protect the tribe from the enemies. These early humans possessed greater adaptability and evolved into night owls so they could protect other humans during their most vulnerable state—sleep. Being a night owl is not a disorder, it’s an evolutionary novel that makes night owls’ adaptability a sign of intelligence.

Don’t Apologize, Be Active and Informative

So, night owls, stop apologizing. You are an important part of society, no matter what people are telling you. You are not lazy, unmotivated, unfit, mentally weak, and destined for an early death; if you are, then your issues extend well beyond preferring the night. Be proud of your delayed sleep phase disorder and know that you are in good company. Embrace the advantages, and your attitude will improve your mental and physical health. Just because certain studies claim that night owls have shorter life expectancies, doesn’t mean we have to prove them correct. Besides, those studies are riddled with flaws. You are who you are. Confront the ignorance, prove your worth, and defend your lifestyle to all those who question your value. Society praises early risers (larks) for their ability to make the most of the day. Why can’t that same praise be given to those who make the most of the night? Who’s with me?