Recent studies are sparking up the age-old debate on whether or not people are programmed to be early or late risers- and further add to the controversy. Studies suggest that whether we are ‘morning people’ or ‘night people’ is largely determined by our genetic predisposition. These studies indicate that circadian rhythms (which dictate sleep-wake cycles in a 24 hour period) differ among people and influence how many times we prefer to hit snooze button before class. People who are earlier risers have shorter circadian rhythms, higher levels of the hormone cortisol, and lower body temps in the A.M. hours than their later-rising counterparts.

More controversial and interesting are recent studies which show that sleep preference correlates to intelligence. Overall higher IQ’s are found to be associated with people who are more active nocturnally and go to bed later after nightfall. These studies may indicate that stereotypes of the creative artist or mad scientist staying up until the wee hours of the night to finish their masterpieces may not be so embellished, after all. Night owls are also found to be more creative, imaginative, and intuitive. (I must also note that the author of this particular article posted it at 1:00 a.m., if that’s any indication of his bias!).

However, to those of you who are willingly up and reading this at 8:00 A.M: don’t fret. You’re found to be more reliable, more emotionally stable, and less apt to suffer from addictions and eating disorders than those who choose not to enjoy their morning coffee before noon. Additional studies find that morning birds are typically more conscientious, logical, and analytical than night owls.

Unfortunately for those of us who are late-risers, society obviously prefers 9-5 workdays and an early-rising schedule. So, can we owls ‘see the light’? Many articles suggest that altering our daily routines can help us adjust to falling asleep and rising earlier much like our fellow morning bird roommates, friends, and family members. A few helpful tips including keeping a consistent sleeping schedule, opening shades before bed, exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine after 6:00 and more can be found here .

Whatever your sleeping preferences, feel free to comment with your thoughts, opinions, and/or stories!