Early bird or night owl: The answer may affect your personality

What time people decide to go to sleep could affect their personality and quality of life, according to one report.

Researchers at the University of Barcelona compared early birds to night owls to look at personality differences. They discovered 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 possibility: some people’s genes help to determine their circadian rhythm, an inner clock that controls sleep pattern and other physiological developments. The other alternative 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 an 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.