For years, I’ve considered myself an early bird. My school starts at 7 a.m., a time when many night owls are still fast asleep. But if I had the freedom to choose my schedule, what would I be? An early bird or a night owl?
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What’s an Early Bird? What’s a Night Owl?
Simply put, early birds tend to wake up and go to sleep earlier, while night owls do the opposite, preferring to wake up and go to bed later.
Advantages of Being an Early Bird
Studies show that early birds may find it easier to adjust to standard daytime schedules, making it more convenient for them to participate in daily activities.
Additionally, early birds are often perceived by society as being more agreeable and conscientious compared to night owls.
Disadvantages of Being a Night Owl
Since our daily routines are often structured around a 9-to-5 schedule, this presents a huge disadvantage for night owls. Researchers have even coined the term social jetlag to describe the difficulty they face in accommodating social norms.
Research has also pointed out that night owls may have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and depression. They also tend to perform worse on tests compared to their early-bird peers and are perceived as more negative and stressed.