CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

- CAITLIN CARLSON

WHETHER YOU'RE LISTENING TO A PODCAST that's debating school start times or scrolling Instagram content from an expert urging the end of daylight saving time, the term 'circadian rhythm' is unlikely to be new to you. These examples show how some experts advocate for change that allows people to live in harmony with their natural sleep predispositions, or 'sleep chronotype' The sleep chronotype concept is based on how your body, influenced by your internal clock, has an innate preference for mornings or evenings. Now, research is revealing just how much honouring your natural rhythm matters for your overall well-being. So, pour a cup of camomile and pull up a pillow while we explain why leaning into your sleep habits is the health and recovery hack you've been missing.

UNDERSTANDING CHRONOTYPES

JUST LIKE YOUR HEIGHT, your chronotype is (for the most part) both genetically determined and fixed. "People are beginning to understand that their chronotype is biological, and it's not something to do with your attitude, willpower or whether you're a productive person," says Jennifer Martin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California.

But while genetics play a major role, environmental factors play their part too. "Poor sleep hygiene, such as using your phone late at night, can also impact chronotypes," adds Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist specialising in behavioural sleep medicine. Inconsistent eating patterns and the fact that many people don't get substantial natural light during the day might also explain why there's a variance in chronotypes.

You may not be able to bypass your hardwiring entirely, but you can control some of the lifestyle issues around you.