To Whom It May Concern,
As a 63-year-old "night owls," I would suggest that these results are largely due to society bludgeoning "night owls" (who are really second shift people) into living on first shift.
Early birds are complete bullies about forcing people into early hours, both at work and in private life. The early people don't even realize it, because they aren't forced day in and day out to fight their own body clock.
I've been told for 50+ years that "I'll get used to it." I'm still waiting for that to happen, while I spend 5 days a week, and sometimes 6, waking up still tired. I have to fight off sleep every time I stop moving and sit in front of a PC. I have to chew gum to keep from yawning my face off.
I believe the Geneva Convention from WW II classified sleep deprivation as torture. Still, millions of people are subjected to chronic sleep deprivation daily for decades on end with no relief.
Is there any wonder they're depressed? I imagine they face many health consequences in a forced "first shift first" world.
I hope all early people face at least a hundred lifetimes as night owls.
Regards,
Dan Stafford
Temecula, CA
Compassion is the greatest sign of Humanity.