For some, the morning is a time to be enjoyed and made the most of. For others, not so much. People who enjoy being awake early in the morning are commonly considered early birds, while those who would rather sleep until noon have earned the title of night owls. Early birds are the type of people who go to bed early and rise early too. Night owls are known to stay up well past midnight and sleep long into the day. These differing sleep patterns are due to the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is the body’s 24-hour clock. It’s what tells the body to be awake and alert, and to be tired. Normally, your body would work until it gets tired, and then you would rest and repeat the process all over again. Your circadian rhythm is also be influenced by the Earth’s day and night cycle. The day is considered a time to be awake, and night is a time for sleep. Your body will recognize these environmental factors and respond accordingly. Staying up in a lit room, or using a brightly lit device before bed, can confuse your circadian rhythm. But the day and night cycle isn’t the only factor that affects the circadian rhythm, it is also partially genetic. Some single base pair mutations in DNA can determine if someone is an early bird or not.
Early birds normally sleep better and have a regular sleep pattern. They also tend to feel healthier and happier. But there are benefits for night owls too. Night owls tend to be able to concentrate more as the day goes on.
But if you are a night owl and wish you could be an early bird, have no fear! Circadian rhythms adjust as you develop. Children are normally early birds; but as they age up into teenagers, they tend to become night owls. They then transition back into early birds during adulthood.
Keeping a constant sleep schedule can help you stay well rested. Understanding the amount of sleep you need is important. Establish a schedule that allows you the sleep you need and stick to it.
