I used to be an early riser, too. I would go first thing when it was cooler. Because it was usually a long walk to the laundry room carrying 2 days of clothes for 3. Sometimes, I would even go get the key and unlock the door to be first in line. If I wasn't one of the first ones to secure a machine, there were too many lazy people that would tie up the machines and it would be too hot to make the long walk late in the afternoon.
I would never wash after dark. Too many things get stolen when the lights are out.
Now I can sleep in and start a load whenever I want with our onboard W/D.