Millions of Brits are carving out time for themselves while the rest of the household is asleep, according to new research. Around 81% are happiest during these quieter times of day when they have space for favourite habits or hobbies.

Around 51% identify as early birds while 29% say they’re night owls, according to the research by EDF. Top habits include scrolling social media after saying they're "going to sleep" (68%), sneaking snacks they don’t have to share (67%) and reading uninterrupted (65%),

Women were far more likely than men to keep scrolling after bedtime (74% versus 61%), while Gen Z emerged as Britain's biggest night owls, with 44% saying they're at their best after dark.

The research comes ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Dame Denise Lewis sharing how making the most of off-peak moments has benefited her career and personal life.

She said: “As a Commonwealth athlete, I learned that success isn't just about performing at your best - it's about knowing when to push and when to recharge.

“Preparing to compete in major sporting events has taught me that those quieter, off-peak moments were just as important as the hard work.

“As a parent, I still rely on that same flexibility every day. Small changes to our routines, like using less electricity at busier times and saving where we can, can make life feel that little bit easier, giving us more time and energy for what matters most.”

EDF, a principal partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, is encouraging its customers to shift their electricity use away from peak hours to save money on its time-of-use tariffs.

Scottish gymnasts Aaron Convery and Indira Williams marked the occasion by striking gravity-defying poses over Glasgow’s Riverside Museum at sunset.

Joe Souto, director of retail at EDF said: "Our research shows that people are already embracing those quieter, off-peak moments in everyday life, carving out time to reset before taking on whatever comes next.

“EDF celebrated the spirit of flexibility through gymnastics displays in the city, with Aaron and Indira reminding us that embracing small changes to when we do everyday tasks can really pay off.”

Brits’ Top 10 Off-Peak Habits

1. Watching TV or streaming shows once everyone else has gone to bed (78%)
2. Having a cup of tea or coffee before anyone else is awake (78%)
3. Secretly scrolling social media after saying they were "going to sleep (68%)
4. Sneaking in a treat, takeaway or snack they don't have to share (67%)
5. Squeezing in household chores before work (66%)
6. Reading a book without anyone interrupting them (65%)
7. Having a late-night bath or shower just for some uninterrupted peace (64%)
8. Dancing or singing around the house when nobody else is there (63%)
9. Listening to their favourite music or podcast as loud as they want (62%)
10. Catching up on work so the next day is easier (62%)

To find out more about how EDF customers can flex their electricity on its time-of-use tariffs, including GoElectric and FreePhase, visit here