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The claims in the article, including those specifically attributed to the researchers, go far beyond anything justifiable by the research. The "genetics" claim is especially unjustified.

Personally, I can and have slept and worked ANY schedule, as long as I can get enough sleep. Creative work or intense studying though work best with a split schedule, where I have two 3-5 hour sleeping shifts, so I am always fairly fresh.

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The genetic origin of the variation in circadian phenotypes are well documented, and have been for a long time.

You can work against your predispositions, but if you remove social constraints, your natural pattern will quickly re-emerge.

Furthermore, your subjective assessment of your productivity along the day is not really meaningful in this context.

Smug early birds take note: Night owls actually have more mental stamina than those who awaken at the crack of dawn, according to new research.

"It's the late risers who have the advantage, and can outperform the early birds," said Philippe Peigneux

He's not actually talking about "performance" in a general, life-applicable sort of way; rather he is talking about performance at specific mental tasks. You wouldn't think that from the way the article is written, however.

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