• Bears naturally sleep and wake according to the sun. They feel most energetic during daytime and have little trouble falling asleep at night. A Bear’s peak productivity occurs in the mid-morning and dips during mid-afternoon. 50% of the population falls into this chronotype.
• Wolves (or traditionally the night owl) wake up later and go to sleep later than others. A Wolf’s peak productive time is in the middle of the day, and their productivity lasts until the evening, when all other chronotypes have already logged out. 15 to 20% of the population falls into this chronotype.

Lions (or the traditional early bird) wake up early and are most productive in the morning. Their peak lasts until noon, so naturally the Lions are tired when evening falls and go to sleep early. 15 to 20% of the population falls into this chronotype.

Dolphins are typically light sleepers who have difficulty following a steady sleeping pattern. Dolphins awaken during the night relatively often. They are most productive from mid-morning to early afternoon. About 10% of the population falls into this chronotype.li

A 1998 study showed that night owls have a higher average income than early birds.

A 1999 study found that night owls showed a higher level of intelligence, even when tested in the morning.

Night owls have more sex (possibly because it is thought of as a nighttime activity).

Stomachs of night owls process caffeine better. Their nighttime sleep is less disrupted by daytime caffeine consumption.

Your chronotype is your natural cycle. If you try to work against it, you will have a harder time falling asleep or staying awake during the day, and you’ll also experience more sleep disturbances.

Do not fight your chronotype — move with it! Go to sleep when you’re tired rather than forcing yourself to go to bed earlier or later. Schedule your most important tasks during your peak productivity periods.

But most of all, don’t give yourself a hard time about your chronotype. Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, it doesn’t say anything about you as a person. It is in your genes, and simply explains your most natural rhythm.