What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?

Have you ever considered breaking free from society’s 9-to-5 wake up and sleep time rhythm? My daily routinebed at 7 PM, up at 3:30 AM, paired with intermittent fastingraises eyebrows wherever I go. But there’s a story behind this unconventional schedule, rooted in decades of unique work experiences and a commitment to health.

A Himalayan Shift in Time

Decades ago, I served as an officer for the Indian Government, overseeing a district nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Life there was dictated by nature’s clock: the sun rose around 5 AM and set by 4 PM. India’s single time zone policy felt peculiar in this remote region, where daylight hours didn’t align with the rest of the country. To adapt, I shifted my sleep and work habits, laying the foundation for my early-to-bed, early-to-rise lifestyle. Little did I know, this change would prove invaluable later.

Syncing Across Time Zones

Fast forward to my role as a project manager at a multinational software company, juggling teams in Mumbai (where I was based), Bangalore, and San Francisco. With a 12.5-hour time difference, calls with our U.S. team often aligned with my 3:30 AM wake-up. Those early mornings became my secret weaponquiet, focused hours to prepare for global sync-ups while the world slept. My Himalayan-born routine wasn’t just quirky; it was a career advantage.

Intermittent Fasting: A COVID-Era Discovery

During the COVID years, I was in Kerala, overseeing the construction of my house. The workersbricklayers and masonsstarted at 6 AM and wrapped up by 6 PM, often calling me at odd hours to discuss the plan. To keep up, I adjusted my eating schedule: breakfast at 6 AM, lunch by 10 AM, and dinner by 3 PM. This wasn’t just convenienceit was a revelation. Intermittent fasting gave my digestive system ample time to rest, leaving me energized and focused. Years later, I’ve stuck with this 6 AM–3 PM eating window, and my body thanks me for it.

Why Break the Norm?

I believe sleep and eating schedules should align with your work and lifestyle, not societal expectations. Yes, my 7 PM bedtime means missing some social gatherings, but the trade-offimproved health, mental clarity, and productivityis worth it. Whether you’re managing global teams or simply seeking balance, consider experimenting with your routine. Your body might just thank you.