While we can all probably agree that our days are always better when we sleep well the night before, few people really know the difference between a night owl and an early bird – and how your sleep habits can vary depending on what kind of sleeper you are.
Although sleeping with our favorite luxury linens and quality bedding is proven to give you a great night’s sleep, learning more about the different kinds of sleepers - and most importantly what kind of sleeper you are - can help you learn how to get the best night’s sleep so you can make the most of your days.
We each have a different chronotype, which dictates our natural bedtime. It controls when we fall asleep and when we wake up each day. And while most people’s sleep rhythm works according to a combination of the sun rising and setting as well as their production of melatonin, not everyone falls asleep when it gets dark. All of this is due to chronotypes, which make some of us night owls while others nod off at sunset.
The Different Types of Sleepers
Did you know that there are many different kinds of sleepers? There are over 20 specific genes that influence our biorhythms, or body clock, which controls our metabolism, organs, concentration, ability, and how we sleep. While our pre-determined body clocks cannot be easily adjusted, it can fluctuate a bit throughout our lives, especially when we are young children and again as we age.
Even though we cannot change our chronotypes, by learning more about them we can improve sleep quality as well as productivity. With a better understanding of your chronotype, you can set your ideal bedtime and wake up time to best fit your schedule and your biological makeup.
An interesting (and fun) way to learn more about the many kinds of sleepers is by categorizing the types using animal references. Each type of sleeper has unique preferences, personalities, and bedtimes!
What Kind of Sleeper Are You?
Use the helpful chronotype chart below to learn what kind of sleeper you are.
- Night Owl – Those who thrive in the evening hours are called Night Owls. Since the most productive time for Night Owls is after dark, this type of sleeper typically wakes up later and tends to be a bit slow to get started in the morning.
- Lion – Lions wake up early to greet the day and make plans as they see what needs their attention as the day progresses. Due to their early start and the fact that they expend all their energy in the wee hours of the day, Lions usually get tired in the afternoon and like early evening bedtimes.
- Koala – These tired bears are sleepy all the time. They require 8-10 hours of sleep each night, and love to nap during the day. While they are more active during daytime hours, they quickly wind down at nightfall.
- Wolf – The proverbial morning grouch, the Wolf likes to sleep until noon and is at peak performance around 7 o’clock in the evening. Bedtime is typically past midnight for these creative and moody types who like to stay up late and wake up late too.
- Bear – Typically cheerful, Bears require a lot of sleep. This type of sleeper never feels like they are fully rested, so they are always ready to snooze. They get the most done around midday and set bedtimes well before midnight to get as much rest as possible.
- Dolphin – Dolphins are light sleepers and are known to wake up many times during the night, so they often feel tired all day long. While they finally seem to get motivated around 7 o’clock in the evening, they aren't ready for bed until midnight.
Nile Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set
White Goose Down Duvet
To best determine what kind of sleeper you are, simply note when your body naturally likes to sleep and wake up. This should be tracked for a few weeks to get a good feel for your natural schedule. Once you see a pattern, refer to the chronotypes to see what type of sleeping pattern best suits you.
Rely on Peacock Alley for a Perfect Night’s Sleep
No matter what chronotype you are, we are all turn into “animals” when we don’t get the proper recommended sleep. Click here to learn more about sleep and how it relates to our health from a recent interview on our Instagram TV series. After following her expert sleep advice, make sure you pay attention to the bedding you sleep on.
We spend more than a third of our lives in bed, so consider luxury linens an investment in yourself. The bedding experts at Peacock Alley can help you discover new favorite sheets to enjoy every day. Thousands of customers agree that nothing makes bedtime more inviting than the right combinations of curated comfort. When you are ready, we are here to help you create your perfect place to rest.
Best-Selling Bedding
Soprano Sateen Sheet Set
Down Alternative Mattress Topper
