Buzz
Struggling to leave your bed in the morning? Let science reveal the reasons behind it and whether you can alter this habit.
I’m terrible in the mornings. Can science help me improve?
While it might not fix your morning struggles, science can clarify why you’re so groggy (something your boss might or might not care about). “People are either early birds or night owls,” explains Sonia Ancoli-Israel, education director at UC-San Diego’s Sleep Medicine Center. “These are often referred to as larks and owls.” Your tendency is determined by your circadian rhythm.
How does my circadian rhythm function?
A cluster of 20,000 neurons in your brain, known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, maintains your daily schedule. It controls various bodily functions, including hormone production, digestion, and, naturally, your sleep patterns.
What does this mean for me?
Early risers, or 'larks,' experience tiredness earlier in the evening, while night owls, often teens and young adults, stay alert until late at night due to their delayed sleep phase.
Is this something I should worry about?
Early risers enjoy a cognitive advantage. A 2013 study revealed that the brains of morning people and night owls differ structurally. Those who wake early possess higher-quality white matter, enhancing neural communication.
Is it possible to alter this?
To some extent, yes. Your internal clock evolves throughout your life. Infants rise at sunrise, teens struggle to wake before midday, and older adults often find mornings less challenging. You can influence your rhythm by maintaining a strict sleep routine and minimizing exposure to light before bedtime, as light receptors in your eyes signal your brain when it’s time to sleep.
Can genetics be the reason for this?
Absolutely! In 2012, researchers identified a specific nucleotide near the 'Period 1' gene that influences whether you’re a morning person, a night owl, or somewhere in between.
