There are two types of people when it comes to sleep patterns – morning larks and evening larks.
Morning larks are people who wake up early in the morning and are most productive during these hours, while evening larks are individuals who stay up late and are much more productive during nighttime hours. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of sleep patterns and decipher which one comes out on top.
The Science of Morning Larks and Evening Larks
The science behind these two sleep patterns is backed by various studies that have researched the sleep habits of individuals.
Researchers have found that these sleep patterns are based on an individual’s natural body rhythms, commonly known as the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a biological process that influences the sleep-wake cycle of an individual.
This cycle is influenced by a vital hormone called melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin is responsible for inducing sleep, and during the day, dopamine levels increase, leading to wakefulness.
The melatonin levels start to rise when the light gets dim, leading to a feeling of sleepiness.
Morning Larks
People who have a morning lark sleep pattern are early risers who find it easy to wake up in the morning and get going with their day. Researchers believe that such people have a more straightforward time adapting to the 9-5 work schedule.
This pattern is also seen as the natural sleep pattern of an individual as it aligns with the normal schedule of work, school, and other daily routines.
Some benefits of a morning lark sleep pattern include:.
More Productive Hours
Early risers have more productive hours in the morning since they wake up fresh and have the energy to accomplish more things. They are more likely to accomplish their goals efficiently before a typical workday begins.
Less Mental Stress
As morning larks get up early, they have a lot of spare time, which can be used to relax the mind and calm thoughts, thus reducing anxiety.
Mental Alertness
Individuals who have this sleep pattern perform better in mental tasks during the morning hours, thanks to the high energy and heightened alertness levels.
Evening Larks
Individuals who have an evening lark sleep pattern, on the other hand, are individuals who find it hard to get up in the morning and typically stay up late into the night.
They are most productive during these nighttime hours and usually only wake up in the late morning hours.
Some benefits of an evening lark sleep pattern include:.
More Creative During Nighttime
Evening larks are most productive during nighttime hours, and their creative juices are on a high throughout these hours.
Since the rest of the house is quiet and there are fewer distractions, these individuals can concentrate better and produce better results.
More Time for Hobbies
The nighttime hours provide evening larks with an ample amount of time to pursue their hobbies, reading, writing, or other creative activities.
Less Hectic Schedule
Individuals who have an evening lark pattern usually have less hectic schedules, mainly because they work late into the night. This allows them to have more time to relax and unwind, leading to improved mental health.
Conclusion
The winner of this age-old debate on the better sleep pattern depends entirely on the individual’s lifestyle and personality.
Morning larks are more likely to conform to the standard work schedule and enjoy more productive hours, while evening larks have more time for hobbies and creativity. The key is to find out your body’s natural rhythm and determine your productive hours around it.
In conclusion, both sleep patterns have their advantages and disadvantages, and neither one is superior to the other.
Each individual must figure out their natural rhythm and work schedules that align with their lifestyle to hit maximum productivity, creativity, mental health, and overall well-being.