My dream is to complete a thru hike in my life and hopefully in the not too distance future. I've read a lot here and I'm on my 10th book written by others who have completed thru hikes. (Currently reading Don's Brother: A Hike of Hope on the Appalachian Trail.) Several years ago I got into the habit of going to bed very early, 7-8pm and I'm up by 3am. Even on my days off I do this. I'm in my office at 4am. I've never been one to be able to sleep long hours like some people can and noises easily keep me awake while trying to fall asleep. I'm sure I can adjust a little and stay up a little later on the AT when staying at a shelter but what happens when I still wake at 3 or 4 am? I can't lay there until the sun starts shining and I'm sure others will tire of me trying to get out before the sun starts up anyway as they are trying to sleep. I know safety can be an issue as well trying to hike in the dark. I know I can't be the only one in this position.