Some people are up with the sun, ready to tackle their to-do lists. Others peak when the stars are out.
This natural preference for when to fall asleep, wake up and get work done is what scientists call a chronotype. It’s influenced by your circadian rhythm (or internal clock), which also affects your energy, hormones and appetite.
Some people’s chronotypes are out of sync with society’s timing, leaving them tired or unfocused at school, work or social events. Many people don’t even know what their chronotype is, said Michael Terman, a psychologist and chronobiology researcher in New York City.
Do you know yours? This quiz, which Dr. Terman uses in his research, can help you find out.
