Starting work before 10 a.m. would be contrary to our biological rhythm.
According to researcher Paul Kelley, from the University of Oxford, traditional work and school schedules are largely disconnected from our biological clock, causing chronic sleep deprivation in millions of people.
Our circadian rhythm, regulated in particular by light and the hypothalamus, does not change simply because an employer decides that the day starts at 8 a.m.
The consequences can be significant: chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, weakened immune system and cardiovascular risks.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that by pushing back the start of classes to 10 a.m., students aged 13 to 16 experienced significant improvements in their health and academic performance.
So the problem is not necessarily that people lack motivation in the morning, but that we have organized part of our society around schedules that do not correspond to everyone's biological needs.
Source: Kelley et al., Is 8:30 a.m. Still Too Early to Start School? A 10:00 a.m. School Start Time Improves Health and Performance of Students Aged 13–16, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2017.
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- Profil : Pierre Jean Duvivier dit Sage (LinkedIn)
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Starting Work Before 10 AM and Our Biological Rhythms
1 What does it mean that starting work before 10 am goes against our biological rhythm
It means our bodys internal clock is naturally set so that the brain isnt fully alert until around 10 am for many people Forcing early starts can work against how the body is wired
2 What is the biological rhythm exactly
Its the bodys internal 24hour clock that controls sleep alertness hormones and body temperature Its mainly set by daylight and genetics
3 Is this true for everyone
No It varies by person and age Teens and young adults tend to be night owls while older adults often shift earlier Some people are naturally early risers
4 Why is 10 am the magic number
Its not exact for everyone Research on sleep and alertness suggests that for many people especially teens and young adults peak focus and reaction time arrive later in the morningoften around 10 am
5 What are the benefits of starting later
Better focus and productivity fewer mistakes improved mood less sleep deprivation and lower risk of accidentsespecially for people whose natural rhythm runs late
6 What problems can early starts cause
Sleep loss grogginess poor concentration irritability more errors and longterm health risks like fatigue and stress when the mismatch is constant
7 Is this the same as sleep inertia
Not quite Sleep inertia is the grogginess right after waking The biological rhythm issue is about your bodys alertness schedule across the whole day
8 What is a chronotype
Your chronotype is your natural sleepwake patternearly bird night owl or in between Its largely genetic and affects when you feel most alert
9 Does this mean everyone should start work at 10 am
Not necessarily A flexible approach works best let people start when their body and life allow rather than forcing one early time on everyone
10 What if my job requires an early start
You can adapt somewhat get consistent sleep expose yourself to bright light in the morning avoid screens late at night and take short breaks when you feel sluggish But your
