Early bird programming vs. night owl hacking – which is more productive?

The piece argues that the long-running debate over early birds and night owls has become more relevant as remote work and flexible schedules spread among tech teams. It summarizes studies suggesting that early risers report more positive affect and better health, while night owls are linked to sleep loss, lower mood, and dark triad traits.

Reading notes

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• The article frames the productivity question as part of a wider debate about work routines, made more flexible by remote work.
• A University of Toronto study is cited for finding that morning types are happier, more satisfied, and subjectively healthier.
• The same study links early rising with longer, more restful sleep and a stronger immune system.
• It also says night owls may face social jet lag because they often wake earlier than they want to.
• A University of Western Sydney study is cited for connecting night owls with the dark triad traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
• The article says these traits are described through reduced empathy, anti-social behaviour, manipulation, and exploitation.
• It presents night owls as people who may use late hours when others sleep or think less clearly.
• The closing line suggests the topic may make readers reconsider claims about coding all night.