Do you envy those early risers who bounce out of bed at dawn? Or perhaps you’re one of the fortunate ones! It’s widely believed that the early bird catches the worm, with pop culture echoing the sentiment that early risers achieve more, get more done, and generally exude positivity.
Numerous articles suggest that waking up just an hour earlier can unlock hyper-productivity akin to the world’s most successful entrepreneurs.
If you identify as a night owl, relishing late nights and cozy mornings, you might be hoping that this notion isn’t entirely accurate. However, research into “chronotypes” largely supports the stereotype of energetic morning people versus laid-back night owls. Yet, the reality is often more complex.
Keep in mind that the majority of people (approximately 60%) are not strictly larks or owls. Most of us fall somewhere in between.
Your chronotype not only dictates when you hit the hay but also affects your peak performance times. Larks generally excel in the morning, while owls thrive later in the day, providing an edge in professions with evening shifts.
Interestingly, studies show that women are more likely to be larks while men often identify as owls.
Age also plays a crucial role; during adolescence, many shift towards an owl chronotype, but as we age, we tend to become more lark-like.
When it comes to happiness, research reveals a correlation between being a morning person and increased life satisfaction.
For instance, a study involving medical students at Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey showed that those who preferred early rising scored higher on happiness assessments. The results showed that 26.6% of night owls reported lower happiness levels compared to just 6.7% of larks.
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Similar trends appear with older adults, indicating that being a lark is more prevalent among them. Studies link being a morning person to higher happiness levels.
Additionally, research from the University of Leipzig indicates that larks enjoy greater life satisfaction and are less vulnerable to mental health issues.
In contrast, night owls seem to be more susceptible to conditions like depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and substance abuse challenges.
This disparity may be partly due to the challenges that night owls face, such as less sleep or more sleep disturbances, rather than an inherent advantage to being a lark.
Potential factors enhancing the lark’s advantage include superior emotional regulation and a more positive perception of time compared to owls.
These insights prompt us to consider the origins of our lark and owl tendencies, and crucially, whether they can be altered.
Research from the University of Warwick indicates that chronotype is linked to personality traits. Morning people often score higher in conscientiousness—one of the Big Five personality traits associated with discipline and ambition. Conversely, night owls typically exhibit extraversion and openness.
The promising news is that neither personality traits nor chronotype are fixed. Both are influenced by factors beyond genetics, including home environment and daily responsibilities.
As the Warwick study suggests, this plasticity implies that “…it may be possible to intentionally adjust one’s chronotype.”
To transition into a lark, consider basic strategies such as avoiding screens in the evening, gradually shifting your bedtime earlier, and rewarding yourself with enjoyable morning activities like a warm cup of coffee or a relaxing walk.
However, preliminary findings from the University of Warsaw indicate that seasonal shifts toward increased morningness did not correlate with improved mood or life satisfaction.
This suggests that merely changing your sleep schedule might not be a quick path to happiness. You may need to adopt a comprehensive approach rather than just setting a morning alarm.
The relationship between chronotype and happiness may also flow in reverse—if you lead a fulfilling life, finding it easier to retire early at night can make it simpler to awaken as a lark each morning.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
