The Sleep and Wake Up Schedule of the Working Professional

Everyone has a unique sleep and wake up schedule that fits their lifestyle and job requirements. Whether you work a traditional 9-to-5 job or have a more flexible work arrangement, the time you sleep and wake up can significantly impact your productivity and overall well-being. In this article, we explore the different sleep and wake up routines of working professionals.

Teacher’s Sleep and Wake Up Schedule

As an experienced teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with different routines. The morning routine of a teacher is crucial, especially when dealing with young learners. Back when I was employed full-time, I would arrive at school by 6:45 AM to prepare for the day. This early start allowed me to complete all the necessary prepping before the students entered the classroom. It was essential to ensure that everything was in place so that the day ran smoothly.

Post-retirement, I took on the role of an after-school program coordinator at my former school. While my official start time was 3:15 PM, I would arrive by 2:15 PM to ensure I had ample time for preparation. During this time, I would also check in with certain at-risk students. These interactions were vital in showing them that they were cared for and that someone was invested in their well-being.

Unfortunately, the after-school program’s closure due to the pandemic has impacted my work. I am hopeful that as vaccines become more widespread, the program will resume and I can return to contributing to the community.

Current Employment Routine

My current schedule is a bit unconventional but manageable. I generally wake up at 8:30 AM and head to work by 10:00 AM. Although I have a fixed break and a set closing time of 8:30 PM, I often stay at my office for an additional period. This extended presence can be quite taxing, especially on weekends when I prefer to stay at home and avoid burnout. Sometimes, I feel excessively tired because I spend too much time at my office.

While I am required to be at work by 8:30 AM, I usually arrive between 8:50 and 9:00 AM. It takes me until around 11:30 AM to feel fully awake, and then I take lunch at 12:00 or 12:15 PM. After lunch, I return to work at 1:15 or 1:30 PM and continue to feel somewhat groggy until I finally cut out around 4:30 PM. At this point, I'm usually awake and re-engaged in life by midnight or 1:00 AM.

Early Riser’s Routine

On the other end of the spectrum, staying up until the early hours of the morning can also be part of a working professional's routine. For example, I once woke up at 5:00 AM. I would then check the Indian share market, which was 4:45 AM in Nigeria due to the 4.5-hour difference. After a short wait, I would cook my breakfast and lunch in the kitchen. By 7:00 AM, I would be free and could go for a walk. By 8:00 AM, I would take a bath and get ready for work, arriving at the office by 9:00 AM. In essence, I started my day at 5:00 AM to align with my job requirements.

This routine shows that there are varied and sometimes challenging schedules that people follow to fit their professional lives into their routines. Whether you are a teacher preparing for a day of learning or an early riser managing the stock market, your sleep and wake up schedule can dictate a significant part of your day.

It is important to find a balance that works for you, prioritizing both your professional and personal well-being. For more tips and advice on managing your sleep cycle and work schedule, visit our featured articles.