How can one reconcile the description of David's (peace be upon him) prayer and fasting, as mentioned in Sahih al-Bukhari, regarding his sleeping and rising, with the virtue of the last third of the night mentioned in other hadiths?

The best way to perform Qiyam (definition) al-Layl (night vigil prayer) is the method of David (peace be upon him), where a Muslim sleeps for half the night, then prays for a third of it, and then sleeps for a sixth of it. This aligns with most of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) practices. This arrangement combines the virtue of Tahajjud (late-night prayer) and catching the last third of the night, while maintaining energy to perform Fajr prayer and engage in daytime activities. A Muslim should strive to perform Qiyam al-Layl in a way that suits their circumstances, prioritizing diligence in performing Fajr prayer.