For many of us whose work revolves around research, writing and analysis, coupled with constant digital engagement, the night often feels more productive than the day. I remember I used to use my nights for playing video games and watching movies alone, remember tiptoeing in the night to go cook noodles so that my mom or dad wont wake up. Prepare it and then have my little movie night… Those days are now kinda gone, lol! Now my nights are for work work work and surfing the net. The productivity for me comes alive in the night when I have no distractions. For a long time, I relied heavily on coffee to push through late nights. I remember i used to take coffee around 11:00 p.m., believing it would immediately block sleep and keep me alert through the early hours of the morning.
My assumption was simple, drink coffee when sleep approaches, and it will disappear. What I did not initially understand is that caffeine does not function like an instant switch. It takes time for its effects to peak in the bloodstream. By the time the caffeine fully activated, my body was already fatigued, and id just sleep off and I used to be like this coffee doesn’t work at all. Gradually, I realized that caffeine works more effectively when taken earlier, allowing the stimulant effect to align strategically with the period when alertness is required. Rather than using it as a last-minute rescue, it must be timed intentionally. Even then, caffeine does not replace rest. I believe it just delays fatigue.
Much of my professional night routine involves being constantly on the computer. Typing documents, and exploring online resources form the core of my work and also surfing ecency, even though I have just been majorly exploring so far without making much entries. Beyond work, there is also the habit of exploring Twitter or X, where ideas, legal debates, and social commentary unfold in real time. Its like my news source. The month of Ramadan, creates a new goal also for me at night. Ramadan introduces a spiritual dimension to the night. Instead of using the late hours solely for professional output, there is a conscious effort to dedicate time to pray. The nights become divided between work responsibilities and spiritual commitments. Avoiding sleep may sometimes seem necessary, especially during demanding seasons of work. Coffee may provide temporary assistance. The computer may remain open long into the night. But I know for a fact that sustainable excellence requires balance.
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2:47 A.M WAT