Are you an early lark, or a night owl? Studies show that your sleep style reveals a lot about your personality and brain structure. But is it healthier to get up early or stay up late?
Why are you an early bird or night owl?
Why are some people early risers, while others experience peak performance and energy at night? Turns out it's down to our internal body clock, or circadian rhythms.
If you have a longer natural cycle, you'll be a night owl. A shorter cycle means you likely get up to catch the worm – or the croissant.
Further studies have found that genetics may also play a part. A study published in the Frontiers in Neurology journal, suggests that genetic variations in DNA sequences. That means night owls and early larks have different gene versions. So it's not just that our body clocks are different; our entire genetic makeup is too.
Night owl struggles
Most research highlights that owls face more health risks and drawbacks than larks. Why? Well, simply because our 9 to 5 society makes it harder for owls to function. They are more alert after dark, so having to be switched on in a day job is more of a struggle than it is for early risers.
A recent study found owls have a higher risk of diabetes, while other studies pinpoint obesity as another downside to the owl lifestyle.
And further research points out that night owls are also more likely than larks to develop metabolic syndrome and sarcopenia. They are also less physically active than early risers and have more stomach fat.
Early bird perks
So it looks like being an early bird really does have it perks. A 2012 study in the journal Emotion also found they are overall healthier and happier – likely because it's easier for them to fit in and function into society's schedule than owls. It could also be because early risers get a dollop of serotonin (our natural mood regulator) from exposure to daylight.
Early birds may also enjoy a better sleep quality, more regular sleep patters, and be more flexible in personality.
Can you change your sleep style?
Since the science points towards the early bird being the winner in the sleep stakes, what can owls do about it?
Well, it is possible to change your sleep style. You can train yourself to get up earlier and be more productive during the day. It takes some time, but resetting your internal body clock could be one of the best things you do for your health long-term.
Originally published on Jan 15, 2016
