What is the meaning of "those who seek forgiveness at dawn" in the context of Aisha's saying: "The dawn did not find him with me except sleeping," and does that contradict the Prophet's seeking forgiveness at dawn?

This is an authentic hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and others. Scholars have differed regarding the meaning of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) sleep. Some viewed it as merely reclining, while others saw it as actual sleep, but that he did not always sleep at that particular time. Still others interpreted it as the Prophet's (peace be upon him) rest after the two rak'ahs of Fajr. These possibilities do not negate his seeking forgiveness (istighfar) at the time of dawn (sahar), and this is confirmed by the action of Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who used to pray throughout the night and then sit to seek forgiveness and supplicate until dawn.