When Is the Best Time of Day to Work?

By Adrianne Bibby

The pandemic upended many day-to-day functions of society, including how we work and how we sleep. COVID-19 inspired a deeper look into sleeping, sleep disorders, and how rest affects everything else we do during our waking hours.

Research conducted during the pandemic and coinciding with the annual World Sleep Day found that 75% of people surveyed said their productivity was worse when they had a poor night’s sleep. The study focused on ways people can sleep their way to a productive day and was based on research by global health technology company Philips as part of its global sleep survey.

More than 13,000 respondents from 13 countries participated in the study, which looked at factors that affect sleep. These factors included cell phone use in bed, sleep conditions like insomnia, shift work sleep disorder, and bed partners.

The proliferation of sleep research was well underway even before the pandemic. Now, the research goes deeper than whether you’re a “morning person” who’s rarin’ to go at the crack of dawn, or a “night owl” whose juices start flowing late in the day—or somewhere in between.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, how much restful sleep you get plays a huge role in your ability to give life your all, day in and day out. Being aware of your best time of day to work can be powerful knowledge to possess as you chart your career.

One of the advantages of flexible work is that you have fantastic latitude to set your own schedule and capitalize on your best time of day to work, especially in many remote jobs and freelance positions. Wondering what you need to do to figure out the time of day when you’re at the top of your game? Here’s how!

How to Determine Your Best Time of Day to Work

When You’re Most Energetic

Your individual work output is an indisputable measure of your productivity. Pay attention to when you hit your stride—that sweet spot where you’re in the “zone” when you start your day and are truly producing top-notch work that you feel good about. Conversely, noticing what time of day (if any) you tend to fall into a slump is just as important.

When It’s Easier to Stay Focused

Here’s one thing many of us might agree on—being wide awake (and not groggy!) can help you focus your mind on your job or your job search. Feeling tired and out-of-sorts can really have a detrimental impact on your brainpower. Make note of what time of day you tend to feel more ready and capable of focusing on detailed tasks that demand your attention.

When Your Relationships Are a Factor

If you find that not getting enough sleep makes you more irritable with colleagues and loved ones, or that sleeping too much leaves you feeling sluggish, it might be time to tweak your nighttime schedule as part of staying productive. Making sure you’re getting good rest, and then shaking off the sleepies (especially if you work from home!), gives you a chance to start each day at your best.

When You Feel Most Creative

Some people are ready to go at daybreak, and others reach full throttle after sundown. While many traditional jobs have a one-size-fits-all schedule that forces everyone to be on the same clock, flexible work can let you tap into your most creative and resourceful time of day. If you’re a job seeker, use your most creative hours to customize your resume or plot your job search strategy.

When Rest Affects Your Career Satisfaction

Being well-rested can leave you open to the possibility of finding more job satisfaction. Why? Because you’re better able to center all your personal resources on the job at hand. Work on getting a better night’s sleep to charge up your days for greater career—and life—satisfaction!

3 Suggestions for Better Sleep and Productivity

According to the Philips study, these are a few recommendations to consider when you’re hoping to get a good night’s sleep and wake up to a productive day.

1. Spend Seven Hours in Bed

The goal is to carve out enough time in your schedule to allow yourself to get the rest you need. Going to bed too late can shortchange you and sabotage your efforts from the start.

2. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene means making your bedroom or sleeping space amenable to rest by limiting screen time, avoiding alcohol or caffeine before bedtime, and adhering to a regular schedule as much as possible.

3. Consult With Your Physician

Consider consulting your doctor if your sleep problems are persistent, especially if they have a continuing and detrimental effect on your productivity and overall well-being.

Sleep Your Way to Career Happiness

It’s hard to underestimate how important a restful night’s sleep is to your productivity and your overall happiness at work. Waking up feeling restored and ready to tackle the day can make a huge difference in how efficient and happy you are in your career.

If you're looking for the flexibility to work when you're at your best, a FlexJobs membership can help! Take the tour to learn more about how FlexJobs can power your job search.

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