Night owls smarter than early birds?
Researchers found that individuals who wake up early tend to have sharper cognitive functions during the day compared to those who stay up late. This difference is linked to how each group's sleep patterns align with natural circadian rhythms, influencing brain performance across waking hours. While night owls may feel more alert at night, their cognitive abilities may not peak until later in the day, contrasting with the early birds' consistent daytime mental acuity.
The researchers analyzed sleep habits and brain performance using a variety of cognitive tests. Early risers, or "larks," demonstrated superior performance in tasks requiring attention, memory, and problem-solving during daytime hours. Conversely, night owls, or those who prefer to stay up late, showed increased cognitive abilities in the evening but struggled with similar tasks during the morning and afternoon. This discrepancy highlights the importance of aligning daily activities with one's natural sleep-wake cycle to maximize cognitive potential.
Source: Newsweek
