Night owls, this Boston sleep study could pay you $600 for doing what you do best—sleeping past midnight

If your body clock runs on moonlight and you come alive after dark, this opportunity might be right up your alley.

For many night owls, the struggle to sleep isn’t just about tossing and turning—it’s about living in a world that runs on early alarms and bright mornings. You might find yourself wide awake when others are winding down, your mind buzzing with ideas while the rest of the house sleeps.

Now, a Boston-based research team is looking for night owls to participate in a paid study—and yes, it’s as easy as sticking to your usual routine.

No need to fake mornings or fight your natural rhythm. Whether you’re a late-night creative, a shift worker, or just someone who thrives when the world quiets down, this could be your chance to earn $600 simply by being yourself.

Turning late nights into cold, hard cash​

A Boston-based research team, in partnership with Harvard Medical School, is launching a new sleep study focused on individuals who naturally stay up past midnight. If you're between the ages of 18 and 65 and don’t smoke, you may be eligible to participate—and receive compensation for your time.

The study involves a 35-day at-home phase, where participants will log their sleep daily, use a study-related sleep medication, and stay in regular contact with researchers to monitor progress and ensure safety. This effort continues a long legacy of sleep science innovation led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

By examining how late-night sleep habits and investigational treatments affect rest and overall health, researchers hope to uncover new insights that could benefit night owls and improve sleep quality for many.

Why night owl research matters more than ever​

Sleep challenges are common among older adults, with nearly 44% experiencing one or more nighttime symptoms of insomnia—such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early—at least a few nights per week.

These disruptions can affect overall health, mood, and daily functioning, making sleep quality a growing concern for aging populations.

Compounding the issue is the societal preference for early schedules, which often clashes with the natural rhythms of night owls. This mismatch, known as “social jet lag", occurs when an individual’s internal clock is out of sync with social demands like early work hours or appointments.

For older adults who naturally lean toward later bedtimes, this can lead to chronic sleep deprivation and increased stress.

Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing better sleep interventions and support systems. As researchers continue to explore the effects of circadian misalignment, studies like those conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School are shedding light on how sleep timing and quality impact long-term health, especially for those whose internal clocks don’t fit the early-bird mold.

Interested in joining the sleep study? Here’s what to expect:

• Initial screening: A three- to four-week period to determine eligibility for the study.
• Home-based participation: Around five weeks of tracking your sleep and trying a study-related sleep aid from the comfort of your own home.
• Ongoing support: Regular communication with the research team to guide you through the process and answer any questions.
• Payment: Participants may receive up to $600 for their time and involvement.

This is a unique chance to contribute to sleep research, especially if late nights are already part of your routine.

Want to learn more? Reach out to the study team at 617-525-8657 or email [email protected] to see if you qualify.

Practical advice for night owls​

Even if you’re not joining the Boston sleep study, getting to know your own sleep tendencies can have a meaningful impact on your well-being.

For those who naturally stay up late, small changes in daily habits, like consistent wake times or light exposure, can help gently shift your internal clock and support better rest.

According to Professor Debra Skene of the University of Surrey, aligning your sleep schedule with your body’s needs isn’t just about feeling more refreshed—it’s also tied to long-term health.

When sleep is insufficient or out of sync with your circadian rhythm, it can interfere with vital processes and raise the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Understanding and respecting your sleep patterns is a powerful step toward improving both physical and mental health. Whether you're a night owl or an early riser, tuning into your natural rhythm can help you feel and function your best.

For older adults looking to improve their sleep, the goal isn’t to force a rigid early bedtime that clashes with their natural rhythm. Instead, it’s about working with your body’s preferred schedule and making gentle adjustments that support both rest and daily responsibilities.

Key Takeaways

• A new sleep study in Boston is offering up to $600 for adults aged 18 to 65 who regularly go to bed after midnight and are non-smokers.
• The research, run by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, involves a three to four week screening process, followed by at least 35 days of using a sleep medication at home and daily logging.
• The study aims to better understand how sleep medication might help people who struggle to fall asleep before midnight, with participants required to track their sleep and check in regularly with researchers.
• Adequate sleep is vital for health, with the CDC recommending adults get at least 7 hours per night, as poor sleep raises the risk of various chronic conditions and affects general wellbeing.

Have you found yourself naturally shifting towards later bedtimes as you've gotten older, or do you still struggle with society's expectations around “normal” sleep hours? We'd love to hear about your experiences with changing sleep patterns and any strategies that have worked for you.

And if you know someone who’s always up past midnight, why not share this article with them? It could be their ticket to a better night’s sleep—and a little extra cash in their pocket!