It is eleven in the evening when I write this. In the course of the evening, it is easier to get into the flow of writing, studying, or any kind of flow. Knowing oneself is very useful. I managed to do my secondary school work between 8 and 12 pm., not during the daytime or classes. The knowledge provided in a full day of sleeping, surviving and messing around at school was more rapidly absorbed in just a few hours in the evening. I started off my school days with a cycling trip. The crisp air would wake me. But the sleepiness would return like a boomerang: fading voices, heavy eyelids and limbs. And incessant yawning. A difficult struggle.
Now, I have a wonderful life known as ‘Lebolife’. Social studies, located mainly at the Leeuwenborch, do not have many contact hours. Morning lectures or practicals at eight twenty are an exception, not the standard. My sleeping rhythm thus barely affects my studies. I am aware that many students do not naturally have a good relationship with sleep. If you are very much an evening person and forced to endure a spartan morning schedule: my thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sleeping rhythm barely affects my studies
Sleep quality is influenced by many factors. For me, adhering to a fixed sleeping rhythm and limiting my caffeine intake is crucial. But behavioural changes do not make you the perfect morning person. Recently, I had my melatonin production tested at the hospital. Melatonin is a sleep-inducing substance produced by the brain. My suspicions were confirmed: my melatonin production starts two hours later than average. Waking up is also two hours later. My chronic difficulties with the early mornings are not an overdeveloped form of histrionics. There is a non-negotiable biological reason.
Biological clock aside, my personal behaviour and habits also affect my sleep quality. Reflective and analytical people, such as myself, often have difficulties in “detaching” themselves. The power button to switch off their train of thought is often well hidden and sometimes entirely absent. That makes falling asleep more challenging. Luckily, the same characteristics help me write this blog. So, I have that going for me.
Steven is a master’s student of Economy and Governance and enjoys playing squash. He is always open to a game of squash and a good conversation. You can reach him by email.
