Owl or lark: how to determine the chronotype of a child and an adult

The biological rhythm of sleep and wakefulness is a natural process, without which the existence of living organisms is impossible. Normally, these periods alternate with each other. "Lark" or "owl" is a characteristic of a person, it indicates daily ups and downs of physical and intellectual activity. The biological rhythm is determined by a unique set of genes that form hormone levels, sleep, wakefulness and mental activity.

About how to determine which type you belong to, "owl" or "lark", read in the material below.

Human Chronotype: what is itThere are differences in the time of sleep, waking and waking for different people.

"Owl" or "lark" is a division into types of people who are awake in the morning and afternoon or in the evening and at night. Chronotype is a typical human nature of daily activity. There are two main:

1. "Larks". Representatives of this type wake up early, at 5-6 o'clock, in the morning they feel comfortable, cheerful and full of energy. But in the afternoon, the chronotype "lark" feels broken and empty, activity decreases sharply. 
2. "Owls". Representatives of this type are the opposite of "larks". The "owl" chronotype tends to go to bed later and wake up around 10 am. They are not particularly active in the first half of the day, but by the evening they are more energetic. 

In addition to the "generally accepted" chronotypes of "owl" and "lark", there are also "pigeons". Their representatives are the "golden mean" between the above. They feel good when they wake up at 6, 9 or 10 in the morning. Pigeons are cheerful almost all day, although about 15 hours they have a period of maximum activity. They go to bed closer to 22.00, although they may not sleep all night in emergency cases. 

"Pigeons" are a universal chronotype, they easily adapt to any daily routine. "Larks" and "owls" can also adjust to almost any schedule, but they easily lose their rhythm, switch back to the usual daily routine.

People differ not only in when they wake up, but also in their behavior. What distinguishes a person with perverse narcissism, how to behave with him — read the article: "Perverse narcissist — how to recognize him and what to do?".How to determine the chronotype of a child

In children, two main chronotypes are most often expressed: "owl" and "lark".

  At an early age, it is difficult to determine an individual chronotype. The peculiarity of children's biorhythms is that the time of morning rising usually does not really depend on the time of going to bed. It doesn't matter what time the child falls asleep, he will still wake up at about the same time. 

"Lark" and "owl" — here the type of chronotype can be determined by observing the baby during the day. It is important to take into account emotions when waking up, how easy it is for him to get up early. How activity changes during the day, in which half — the first or second — there is a peak of energy. It is necessary to pay attention at what time fatigue and preparation for bed come.

Do not forget that the child is inclined to adopt the peculiarities of the behavior of mom and dad, if they prefer to go to bed after 22.00, then he will also fall asleep at this time. By changing their own habits and attitudes, parents will help the baby form the right daily routine. 

Children "larks"The "lark" child easily wakes up in the morning, has a good mood and appetite, and wakes up parents early on weekends to start active activities as soon as possible.

Such children need to go to bed at the same time every day. If your child is a "lark", try to carry out active activities related to physical activity, development and training in the morning, and devote the evening hours to rest and reading books. Children "larks" are more difficult to adapt to changes in the usual rhythm of the day.

Children of the "owl"The child "owl" begins active activity in the evening.

Early ascents to kindergarten or school are difficult, with whims. On weekends, they prefer to sleep until 10.00-11.00. If your child is an "owl", it should be borne in mind that they perceive changes in the daily routine much easier than "larks". 

For representatives of this chronotype, the morning should begin in a measured and calm manner. It is recommended to give the child time to wake up on his own. The children of the "owl" do not seem tired by the evening, in need of sleep, remain cheerful. As a rule, they need to go to bed later than the "larks". The time of falling asleep can be postponed by an hour if you move the time of going to bed and waking up for a few minutes every day. 

And if you want to know how the habits and worldview of a child are formed, how it affects the child's psyche, sign up for Dmitry Karpachev's online course "What every parent should know".How to determine your chronotype

"Larks" and "owls" — these types of people differ in their characteristic behavioral characteristics, activity and performance.

An important factor that is responsible for the formation of daily biorhythms is heredity. How to determine your chronotype, we will consider further.

"Owl"Representatives of this type are productive at night.

"Owls" need more time to take a nap in the morning, get the charge necessary to maintain two bursts of creative energy: the first — around noon, and the second — around 18:00. 

The ideal daily routine of "owls":

1. 9.00-10.00 am — wake up;
2. 11.00-12.00 — preparation for productive activities;
3. 12.00-14.00 — the first peak of creative activity;
4. 14.00-17.00 — focus on easy tasks;
5. 17.30-21.00 — the second peak of creative activity;
6. 22.00-23.00 — ready for bed;
7. 23.00-10.00 — sleep.

"Lark"This chronotype feels better in the morning when the energy level peaks before noon.

Able to do a huge amount of work before lunch. Early awakening gives strength and energy for the whole day.

The ideal daily routine of "larks":

1. 5-6.30 am — waking up;
2. 8.00-12.00 — peak activity, productive professional activity;
3. 12.30-15.00 — decline in productivity and energy;
4. 15.30-21.00 — monotonous, quiet activity;
5. 21.00-22.00 — ready for bed;
6. 22.00-6.30 — sleep.

"Pigeon"Representatives of this chronotype have no difficulty waking up in the morning or falling asleep at night.

"Pigeons" are most productive in the morning, usually have a decline in activity after lunch.

The ideal daily routine of "pigeons":7-8.00 am — waking up;

2. 9.00-12.00 — peak activity;
3. 12.30-16.00 — decline in productivity and energy;
4. 17.00-21.00 — monotonous, quiet activity;
5. 22.00-23.00 — ready for bed;
6. 23.00-8.00 — sleep.

Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing these features, you will be able to work during the peaks of activity, relax during its decline. 

It should be noted that it is not so much the chronotypes of a person — "owl" or "lark" - that are important, as the formation of correct sleep habits, the creation of comfortable conditions for productive gaming, educational, work activities and ensuring optimal daily routine.

The images are taken from the sources: istockphoto.com , shutterstock.com