Morning lark, night owl or third bird? Your "chronotype" shapes your productivity.
Based on our sleep patterns, there are three types of people - "chronotypes". Each has its own characteristics in terms of wellness and productivity.
Everyone needs 8 hours of sleep a night. However, the exact timing of sleep — when we go to sleep and when we get up — varies from person to person.
It appears that there are three types of sleep patterns — “chronotypes”. Depending on which one you are, your productivity during the working day will be affected.
Each of us has a natural preference for a chronotype. These preferences are influenced by the internal circadian clock and have significant implications for health and wellness.
This diagram summarises the features of the three basic types.
Take this with a pinch (or more) of salt.
Chronotypes significantly impact health and wellness, influencing cardiometabolic health, mental health, dietary habits, sleep quality, and daily functioning.
Evening chronotypes are generally associated with a higher risk of various health problems.
Just remember, these sweeping generalisations are made with our customary habit of fitting people into niches and cubbyholes. They encourage mental sloth and spread unfounded misinformation and prejudice.
Go with what suits you best; don't worry about the labels.
In a very humane and thoughtful post, Lisa Bodell, writing in Fast Company has some very sane advice.
"...there’s a growing trend among leaders and influencers touting the benefits of joining the elusive early bird “4 AM Club.” According to these productivity prophets, waking up at dawn is the golden ticket to success, efficiency, and enlightenment.
However, this narrative is not only misleading but potentially harmful. The truth is, the key to a life well-lived isn’t found in a regimented, early bird routine but in simplifying all areas of our lives to make space for better thinking."
She ends with, "In the end, it’s not about being an early bird, it’s about waking up to what truly matters. ... we’ll find that real success lies in a life well-lived, not a life well-scheduled."
I strongly urge you to read her article in entirety. There's great wisdom there.
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