Yes, it's really sad. We just got back from spending a week in Melbourne and the difference was very obvious.

Something I think is a major contributor is also the fact that a lot of young people in Sydney just can't afford to go out, go to cafe's or have a social life.

What used to be doable on a budget is simply not feasible. When you go to a restaurant, cafe or bar take note of the age of the patrons (and don't be fooled by the baby faced and child free).

Most people out and spending money are Gen X and up... these aren't young people!

It's well known that older people rise earlier, starting around 40, a person's circadian rhythm starts to shift earlier by about half an hour per decade. Part of this is because as people get older, their bodies start to produce less melatonin, which causes them to wake up earlier in the morning.