Can Humans Adapt to a Nocturnal Lifestyle Long-Term?
Throughout history, humans have adapted to various sleep schedules based on environmental and societal factors. However, can a typical human being manage to live a completely nocturnal life long-term, such as waking up at 7:00 PM and going to bed at 11:00 AM? This lifestyle might be feasible for some but poses significant health risks for others.
Understanding Personal Sleep Needs
It's important to understand that sleep requirements are not one-size-fits-all. Different individuals require varying amounts of sleep based on age, health, weight, sex, and other factors. For instance, a 74-year-old person or anyone older knows their body well and can adjust their schedule to fit their needs. However, this doesn't mean it's easy or advisable to drastically alter your sleep pattern.
The Reality of 7 PM to 1 AM Sleep Schedule
Saying that if you sleep from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM (7 hours) and can always go back to bed and sleep for an additional 5 hours doesn't accurately represent the situation. If you were to strictly follow this schedule without any breaks, you would be sleeping for a total of 12 hours, not 7. A misunderstanding of the time often leads to such statements, as 12:00 PM is also the same as 12 Noon. So, if you sleep from 12:00 PM to 7:00 AM, that's 19 hours, not 7.
Even if you operate on a schedule where you get 7 hours of sleep starting at 12:00 AM (midnight), this might not be ideal if done too frequently. The National Sleep Foundation recommends at least 8 hours of sleep per night to avoid the repercussions of sleep deprivation.
Adapting to a Nocturnal Schedule
Some individuals might be able to adapt better to a nocturnal lifestyle than others. However, the statistics show a higher health risk for those who persist with this type of schedule long-term. Despite this, there are regiments and strategies that can aid in successful adaptation.
Witnessing Nocturnal Adaptation in Action: Las Vegas
Living in Las Vegas for 45 years, I have witnessed firsthand how people adjust to life in a 24-hour city. The city's 24-hour pace means that people must work unusual hours compared to the rest of the country. Graveyard shifts, from 2:00 AM to 10:00 AM or 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and swing shifts, from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM or 4:00 PM to 12:00 PM, are common. These shifts often persist throughout an individual's career, whether in casinos or other 24/7 industries.
We had a printing business that operated like a casino. Work was available 24/7, but the rent remained the same as for an 8-hour job. While this setup might seem appealing in terms of earnings, it often results in increased payroll costs. Since Nevada is a "right to work" state, there is no overtime or higher pay for shift work. Despite these challenges, people made adjustments to their lives as necessary. They had families and eventually retired, and as the weather in Las Vegas gets warmer, particularly with the arrival of triple-digit temperatures, it becomes even more common to see people living by the hours of a bat.
It's not surprising to hear about such unusual schedules when they are relative to the environment and work conditions. Therefore, while some may thrive in a nocturnal lifestyle, it's not without its challenges and potential health risks.