What is a Chronotype?

I remember when I would be on Facebook doing Buzzfeed quizzes constantly. Of course, these quizzes were never accurate. They were just for fun. However, I started to do more precise personality quizzes like the Myers-Briggs. Recently, I came across a chronotype quiz, and I had no idea what a chronotype even was; I had to do more research on this topic. I found out that a chronotype is when your body wants to sleep like being a night owl versus an early bird. Finding out your chronotype can help you in many ways; you can adjust your sleep schedule to make the most out of your day. I'm not saying you need to alter your sleep schedule, but you can certainly improve it, and you will feel less tired and be more efficient in your daily activities. There are four types of Chronotypes: the bear, the wolf, the lion and the dolphin.

1. The Bear

The bear chronotype is the most popular chronotype. Around 55% of the world's population falls into this category. The bear tends to be most productive in the mornings. However, once 2 P.M or 4 P.M hits the bear will want to take a nap and will slow down. Eight hours of sleep is usually enough for this chronotype to get a good rest. A night of good sleep is very important for the bear otherwise they will not reach their full potential for effective work. The hours for the best sleep for this specific chronotype are from 11 P.M. to 7 A.M. The best way to start the day is a big breakfast, but you need to avoid high carbs such as cereal or bagels. Bears usually don't have a hard time falling asleep or waking up. Bears need exercise in the morning to get going and to get awake. Bears work most efficiently from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Once the bear hits 2 P.M. it is a good idea to go for a walk around this time to reenergize, bears are also very social and being around other people can also give them energy.

2. The Wolf

The wolf chronotype is least productive in the morning. This chronotype is also known as "The night owl". They like to get things done at night or later in the day. So, these are the people who love working night shifts. They love being up late, which means that they like to sleep late. This chronotype is 15%-20% of the population. The wolf is most productive from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. Then, they might get another burst of energy around 10 P.M. It is recommended that people with this chronotype take their time waking up because they will need it. Breakfast for wolves is just as important since they start their days late. Listening to music can help kick start the day and it can replace the cups of coffee you may need. It is recommended that this chronotype takes showers with cold water rather than warm.

3. The Lion

The Lion chronotype is an early riser or an "early bird" from 6 A.M. to 7 A.M. is the best time to wake up for them. However, lions tend to want to cram everything into their mornings making them feel drained quickly. Starting the day with a glass of water can help with waking up. Around 12 P.M. to 3 P.M. is when the lion winds down from having energy in the morning. Light snacking during the day can help lions feel less drained. Lions need to go to bed around 9 P.M. to 10 P.M. in order to get 8 hours of sleep. The most important meal of the day for the lion is lunch, so they can power through the rest of the afternoon. Exercise is best done during the early afternoon to get their energy up.

4. The Dolphin

The dolphin chronotype is not as fun as it sounds. Only 10% of the world population is a dolphin chronotype. They have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep during the night. This usually goes with people who have insomnia. When they wake up, they tend to be groggy. From 6:30 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. is the best time for them to be up. The way to wake up is to go for a brisk run and then a cold shower. This chronotype tends to go to sleep late and wake up early. Naps should be avoided for the dolphin as this can affect them when they are trying to fall asleep. Small amounts of caffeine are fine, but it is not recommended to have a lot because it affects their sleeping pattern. It is important that the dolphin takes time to wind down before going to sleep by avoiding the phone before going to bed.

Now, that you have read the above. Can you guess what chronotype you are? Click the link below for a quiz: https://www.drozshow.com/quizzes/whats-your-chronotype