Are you an early riser or a night owl?

What time people decide to go to sleep could affect their personality and outtake on life, according to a recent news report.

Researchers at the University of Barcelona compared early birds to night owls to find out what the differences may be. They confirmed that early risers are less affected by fatigue, frustration and difficulties. Therefore, they have less levels of anxiety and depression, and are less likely to be substance abusers. They also tend to have a more pleasurable life.

Night owls, on the other hand, seem to be more extravagant, unpredictable and impulsive. They are more likely to have insomnia and/or ADHD. They may also develop addictive behaviors or mental disorders, and are more prone to be anti-social and have a higher instance of suicide attempts.

Researchers suggested two possible reasons for the difference between early birds and night owls.

One reason is that some people’s genes take part in determining their circadian rhythm, an inner clock that controls sleep pattern and other physiological developments. The other possibility is related to “social jet lag,” which means to have lack of organization, which can occur between a person’s biological clock and the society around them, said Ana Adan at the University of Barcelona, in a news release.

Fred Glave, a sleep educator at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill., says keeping a consistent sleep-wake schedule is important.

“A consistent and ideal schedule should put you in bed for  eight to eight-and-a-half hours,” he says. “Try to keep to the schedule on weekends and days off, and avoid daytime naps that last more than one hour per day.”

Glave says a visit with a sleep disorder specialist is a good idea for more complex sleep issues such as excessive daytime sleepiness, prolonged wakefulness in the middle of the night, snoring or witnessed breathing problems noted by family or friends.