sleepy_throw

That's very interesting, I'd never thought of that. I guess it could make sense, as there is definitely an ultradian rhythm within the circadian rhythm (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultradian_rhythm), and it's about 90-120 minutes long.

I guess it could be that waking at the peak of the ultradian rhythm is better than waking at the nadir, even if the nadir is 45-60 minutes later. Especially if the resulting sleep pressure leads to becoming tired earlier, as seems to have happened to you.

What method did you use to find your optimal waking time? Any sort of sleep measuring tool (phone app, fitbit) or just trial and error? If trial and error, any particular method that worked well?

Times zones to the west is going to be difficult. I suppose I could move east to make it happen :)

I've definitely considered freelancing, but it would basically have to be remote freelancing. Not super excited about freelancing per se, but maybe it's a good fit. I am definitely keeping it in mind, thank you.