Sleep is basically a place where our worries float away, but is mostly a time where we can finally stop scrolling through social media. Not all of us march to the same sleepy beat, however! Some of us are up with the larks, while others are night owls who only hit their stride when the moon's out. Then there are those in-betweeners. Y’know, them folk who can't seem to decide whether to be early birds or night owls? Like seriously, PICK A LANE!
Welcome to the wild world of sleep chronotypes, where your snoozing style is as unique as your fingerprint. Pretty poetic, right?
the early bird catches the worm... or does it?
First up, we have the Lark, the early riser, the one who actually sees the sunrise (and not just on New Year’s Day, or a particularly rough Tuesday). If you're a lark, you're probably up before your alarm, chirping away with a cheery disposition that makes others question your sanity, or at the very least makes them feel a general sort of fiery rage. Your peak productivity hours are in the early morning, which is fantastic because you get a head start on everyone else. Well done you!
However, don't start crowing just yet. While larks are busy catching worms (metaphorically, we hope), they often find themselves yawning before the sun even sets. If you're a lark, late-night social events can feel like torture, and trying to stay awake past 10 pm is a Herculean task. But on the bright side, you don’t need to worry about sleeping in and missing that must-have morning coffee.
Famous larks:
- Benjamin Franklin (the one who coined “early to bed, early to rise”, probably).
- Sir Richard Branson (yes, he built an empire before most of us even hit snooze).
night owls: the creatures of the night
Next, let’s take a peek at life as a Night Owl (aka those nocturnal people who tend to thrive in the darkness). For night owls, mornings are the enemy. Your brain doesn't even seem to want to start functioning until at least 10 am. And as for your creative juices, well they tend to flow best after the sun has gone down. So, while others are counting sheep, you're busy working on your genius ideas.
The downside? Society is not designed for night owls. Trying to navigate an 8 am meeting can feel like running a marathon in stilettos (and we definitely do not advise doing the latter in this sentence). But when the world is quiet and everyone else is in bed, you’re in your element.
Famous night owls:
- Charles Darwin (the man who evolved our understanding of evolution).
- Winston Churchill (who famously ran the country on just a few hours of sleep).
the hummingbirds: the day’s middle children
Now, let’s buzz over to the Hummingbirds, the daytime drifters. If you’re a hummingbird, you’re neither an early bird nor a night owl. Instead, you enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with energy levels peaking in the late morning and early evening. You’re adaptable, capable of attending early meetings and late-night parties without too much fuss. And we will forever be envious of you, and your perfectly balanced day.
While hummingbirds might not have the intense focus of larks or the creative bursts of night owls, they do seem to benefit from a steady flow of energy throughout the day. This balance makes them the social butterflies of the chronotype world. The hummingbirds are capable of flitting from one activity to another with ease.
Famous hummingbirds:
- Most of us, probably (not everyone fits neatly into a box, after all).
- No major historical figures here (who knew being average was so unremarkable?).
the insomniac penguins: sleepless in everywhere
Lastly, let’s waddle over to the Insomniac Penguins. These are the poor souls who struggle to sleep, regardless of the time of day. If you’re an insomniac penguin, your sleep schedule is more erratic than a soap opera plot twist. You might find yourself wide awake at 3 am, contemplating the mysteries of the cosmos or simply wondering why you can’t drift off like everyone else. Maybe it’s the copious amounts of caffeine you’ve had throughout the day, or the documentary on the origins of the universe you literally JUST watched perhaps?
The other chronotypes can usually rely on a certain rhythm. Insomniac penguins however are often at the mercy of their unpredictable sleep patterns. But fear not, for there is strength in resilience. You might not get the conventional 8 hours, but you’ve learned to adapt and function on less sleep, a true testament to the human spirit (and copious amounts of coffee, all part of the vicious cycle).
Famous insomniac penguins:
- Nikola Tesla (the man who invented insomnia, apparently, and also did some cool stuff with electricity, probably to keep himself awake).
- Florence Nightingale (saving lives round the clock).
decoding your chronotype: what it means for you
Understanding your chronotype can be a game-changer. It can help you optimise your daily schedule, improve your productivity, and enhance your overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you embrace your inner lark, owl, hummingbird, or penguin:
for larks:
- Schedule important tasks early: Get your most challenging work done first thing in the morning.
- Evening relaxation: Wind down in the evening with calming activities to help you sleep early.
for night owls:
- Flexible work hours: If possible, arrange your work schedule to start later in the day.
- Create a morning routine: Develop a consistent routine to help ease you into the day.
for hummingbirds:
- Balanced schedule: Spread your tasks throughout the day to match your steady energy levels.
- Social time: Use your adaptable nature to engage in social activities both early and late.
for insomniac penguins:
- Sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help tell your mind and body when it’s time to sleep.
- Naps are your friend: Short naps can help you recharge during the day.
final thoughts: embrace your inner winged animal
Whether you’re up with the larks, thriving in the twilight like a night owl, buzzing around like a hummingbird, or navigating the sleepless seas like an insomniac penguin, there’s no right or wrong chronotype. Each has its quirks and advantages. Embrace your natural rhythm, and don’t feel pressured to conform to someone else’s schedule. After all, the world needs all types to keep spinning smoothly. Although (and I’m showing absolutely no bias here WHATSOEVER), the insomniac penguins are clearly superior…
So, which sleep chronotype are you? Are you ready to soar with the larks, hoot with the owls, hum with the hummingbirds, or waddle with the penguins (and me)? Sweet dreams (or lack thereof) to all! Until next time, eve sleep.
