When I was younger I was absolutely a night owl. It didn’t matter what time I had to be up in the morning, I was up and going until late night, or more accurately, early morning. Even after having my first kid, I was often up until two or three am.

One of my favorite activities in my early 20s was midnight bowling. Loud music, strobing lights, and bowling with friends. Who needs anything more? I’d bowl for a couple of hours with my husband and friends and then head to IHOP for some late-night snacking. I’d get up in the morning and go to work.

More kids equal more responsibility

Once we added another kid, I started going to bed a bit earlier. Being the mom of a five-year-old, who needed to get up and go to school, and a newborn, on top of having a job, meant that I was even busier during the day. Being busier meant I was more exhausted.

I would say I was still more of a night owl than anything, but my exhaustion kicked in, and I was usually in and I was in bed by midnight.

Then we added a third kid to the mix. So I had two kids under five and one in school. I was getting up earlier and earlier. But I still wasn’t a morning person.

Older kids and different routines

Now my kids are older. I even have one that has flown the nest. My mornings start around 5:30 and I am almost always in bed by 9:30. Although, I usually don’t actually go to sleep until closer to 11. This change in routine started five or so years ago and has been a big adjustment. Especially since it has made it very difficult for me to sleep in. I am usually awake and out of bed by 6:30, even when it isn’t needed. That being said, I am still not a morning person. I hate being awake early. My brain does not start working completely for hours after I get up. I am cranky. Thank goodness for coffee.

I heard a term recently – midday peacock. I’m not sure where it came from, but it explains me perfectly. I am most productive between 10:30 and 6:30. I can start my day at 5:30 and I can keep going past 6:30, but I’m really best at those in-between times. And coffee really does keep me going.

So – are you a morning person, a night owl, or a midday peacock?