For centuries, people have been classified as either “morning people” or “night owls.” This division is based on one’s natural inclination towards a particular sleep schedule.

Early birds feel energized in the morning and tend to sleep early, while night owls feel more alert at night and stay up late. However, it is a common belief that early birds are more intelligent than night owls. So, let’s explore whether this belief is backed by science or it’s just a myth.

Early Birds Vs. Night Owls

Before we dive into the argument of intelligence, let’s understand the difference between early birds and night owls. As mentioned, early birds like to wake up early in the morning, feeling energized and refreshed.

They have a better mood, concentration, and productivity in the morning hours as compared to later hours of the day. Thus, they tend to finish most of their important tasks in the morning.

On the other hand, night owls prefer staying up late and enjoy the peace and quiet of the night. They feel more alert and productive at night and tend to delay their sleeping schedules until late hours.

This habit makes it challenging for them to wake up early in the morning and feel groggy and tired. However, night owls tend to have more creative energy in the night hours and can come up with unconventional and unique ideas.

Myth or Science: Early Birds are More Intelligent

It is a common belief that early birds tend to be more intelligent and successful in life as compared to their night owl counterparts. However, the science behind this claim is somewhat limited.

There have been studies that suggest that early birds can perform better at school or work. For instance, a study by the University of Education in Heidelberg, Germany, found that early birds received better grades than night owls in school and were more likely to succeed in the future.

Similarly, a study published in Personality and Individual Differences suggested that morning people tend to have higher intelligence scores as compared to night owls.

The researchers found that morning people performed better on cognitive tasks and had a higher verbal intelligence score. However, the study’s findings were only correlational, and the link between early bird sleep schedules and intelligence is not yet fully understood.

It’s worth noting that not all successful people are early birds. Some of the most successful people, including Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Barack Obama, were night owls who preferred to work late at night.

Thus, we cannot conclude that early birds are more intelligent than night owls, based on limited research.

Who’s Better? Early Birds or Night Owls?

The debate between early birds and night owls is ongoing, and it’s challenging to determine which sleep schedule is better. It depends on various factors, such as one’s work schedule, environment, and personal preference.

Early birds tend to have a more consistent sleep schedule and feel more energized in the morning. This habit helps them focus better and be more productive throughout the day.

However, early birds may struggle to work late at night or attend evening events due to their sleep schedule.

On the other hand, night owls may find it easier to work at night and attend evening events. They tend to have more creative energy at night and can come up with innovative ideas.

However, their sleep schedule may cause difficulty waking up early in the morning, leading to daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

The Bottom Line

The belief that early birds are more intelligent than night owls is controversial and not backed by sufficient research. Many successful people are night owls, and the link between sleep schedules and intelligence is not yet fully understood.

Thus, it’s essential to stick to the sleep schedule that works best for you, be it early birds or night owls.