The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

I used to proudly claim the title of a night owl. Late nights felt like my sanctuary—time to play, read, or indulge in quiet activities when the world had finally gone silent. I thought it was just who I was, part of my genetic makeup. But over time, I realised there was more to it than preference or personality.

The truth? I was afraid. Afraid of the dark, of the strange noises that creep into the silence of the night. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind outside—my imagination turned them into monsters, burglars, or worse. To cope, I befriended the enemy. I stayed awake as long as I could, ensuring the night didn’t have the last word.

Still, I always admired morning people—the ones who wake up chirpy and full of energy. You know the type: classmates who’d bounce into school humming some happy tune (my daughter Masha’Allah), or colleagues who’d hit you with a hearty “Good morning!” before your brain had even acknowledged you were sat at your desk. For me, mornings were a slow burn. It took at least a strong cup of coffee or three, before I could muster a semi-decent grunt in response.

Now, things are different. I’m not a morning person, nor am I a night person anymore. My body dictates my schedule, and frankly, it demands sleep whenever it wants. Due to health reasons, I’ve had to step back and listen. While I know sleeping too much isn’t ideal, it’s a battle I’m still figuring out.

I do hold out hope, though. Maybe one day I’ll join the golden generation of my mum, aunts, and uncles—those remarkable people who seem to thrive on just four hours of sleep. They manage to cram entire lifetimes into their days, full of activities and conversations, while I marvel from the sidelines.

For now, I’m learning to let go of the labels—night owl, morning person—and focus on what my body and mind need to thrive. Maybe it’s not about the hours we keep but about how we spend them. And as I reflect on this, I can’t help but wonder—are you a night owl, a morning lark, or something in between? Let me know. Maybe we’ll all figure it out together.