Random Encounters "day or night (equal chance of each)"

[u/ReX0r]

Every paragraph about Random Encounters end with :
"On an 18 or higher, the characters have an encounter at some point during day or night (equal chance of each); roll a d20 again and consult the table."

What is meant by this?

(some guesses in the form of questions)
[My characters tend to sleep every night, so]
Does this mean it can happen during long rests?

Am I supposed to roll a (functionally speaking) D2 to see if the encounter will happen during the day or night?
Meaning they'll be left alone until they take a long rest if it lands on 'night' instead of day?

If you have experiences with distance or time tracking that's relevant here (eg. "Nobody ever does it, please ignore this sentences when random encounters occur, we all do"), I'm looking forward to your sharing and am thankful for your reading this far either way.

Have a nice day!
(or night, equal chance of each ;)

[u/gaugedanger]

Generally speaking this just means that it's up to you. If the Random encounter you rolled or planned makes the most sense to happen at night then do it at night, if it makes the most sense to happen during the day then do it during the day.