by michaelswarm » Wed Jan 01, 2020 6:19 pm
I would recommend investigating the natural sky rhythms like what the sun does where he lives, and how closely bed time matches, as well as exercise. What hours are dawn (first light) and dusk (last light) where he lives? And how closely do bed times match? What is the sleep routine of the parents?
For 10 hours of sleep, is he going to bed at 6-7pm? That seems early. But it’s winter and dark comes early further north in winter. Maybe artificial light and family activity can keep him up longer, so he sleeps later? Also, if there are no lights in the house, and rules against turning lights on, there is not much to do in the dark, and little incentive to get up early. Also, active kids (and adults) tend to sleep longer and better.
My kids, 5 and 7, go to sleep after dark (no lights after dark), after talking and fooling around some (7-8pm), and wake just before sunrise just before the sky begins to lighten (7am). That’s about 11 hours.
I also recall hearing some research that humans do naturally group into early, middle and late sleep groups, presumably so someone could be awake to tend the fire and watch throughout the night. Maybe he is just a natural early riser.