By isolating the mutations responsible for changes in the circadian rhythm in flies and mice, researchers are beginning to identify corresponding genes in humans. More specifically, we're starting to pinpoint why this cycle often gets disrupted. For one, we now know about circadian rhythm, or the body's internal clock, which dictates sleep-wake cycles.

We still don't know exactly why we sleep, but in the intervening decades we've learned a lot about the underlying mechanisms. When he started his research, as a graduate student at the University of Texas in the early 1970s, the field was largely unformed. Young has been studying sleep disorders for more than 45 years. Turns out he is a Bear too, so we can indulge our love of naps and early nights together.Michael W. I also got Andrew to take the test, so I could see whether weвЂ™re in sync or whether I need to be aware of his best time of day. If I have a meeting in the afternoon, I put more time aside to prepare for it and I keep well hydrated to make me more alert if it is dark. I also do my best to avoid early mornings at the weekend, so I can wake up naturally without an alarm. So if I am getting up early to go to the gym, I go to sleep earlier. Well, as a Bear, I know that I need a lot of sleep. So how do I manage that better, now I know my chronotype? Sometimes (a lot of the time), you have to be flexible. Of course, life isnвЂ™t so neatly planned that I can always avoid meetings in the afternoon or evening or plan my day around my needs.

I thought everyone was like that, but since taking The Power of When, IвЂ™ve realised theyвЂ™re probably not. I also find it easier to get up in the mornings when the sun is up and find myself falling to sleep later. I now also know why I crave daylight more and am happier and more productive in the spring and summer вЂ“ itвЂ™s because I get energy from the light. Think of it as a productivity hack if you will! Then I know I will always be at my best for whatever task is in front of me. I also block out the last hour of the day in my diary so people donвЂ™t put important meetings in. For the afternoon, I plan in more menial tasks, like updating project plans, catching up on emails or writing my to do list for the next day.

I plan in the tasks that require the most brain power for as soon as I get into work or the morning. Since finding this out, I have changed the way I approach my day job. In case youвЂ™re wondering, IвЂ™m a Bear, and I work best in the mornings. It is no coincidence that the quiz is called The POWER of When вЂ“ I think that knowing what time youвЂ™re at your best during the day can unlock more of your own superpowers. They work in spurts of activity during the time and can become more alert in the evening / nighttime. DolphinДolphins are probably the unhappiest sleepers, often suffering from insomnia and unable to nap or drop off to sleep easily. They might be up at 4am but start to flag in the afternoon. Lions are early risers вЂ“ up with the dawn and at their best at the start of the day. You will probably find them at their best between 1pm and 9pm but they might work late into the night. Wolves are happiest at night вЂ“ they sleep in late and stay up late. They tend to feel more tired in the winter and like napping. Called a chronotype test, it lets you know when you are most productive during the day.Д«ears are happiest during daylight hours вЂ“ they like sunlight and work at their best between 9am and 2pm. Basically, it asks you a few questions about what time of day you like to do things and it gives you your result вЂ“ you are either a Bear, a Wolf, a Lion or a Dolphin. So when I was sent a quiz called The Power of When, I immediately tried it out. So is there ever a time when I am productive? My family couldnвЂ™t quite believe it when I signed up for 6am gym classes, because when I was at school, it wasnвЂ™t unusual for me to sleep until after lunchtime on a weekend. Are a night owl? An early bird? Or a permanently exhausted pigeon? EveryoneвЂ™s seen that meme right? I love it вЂ“ it is so accurate! I have always felt like I can never get enough sleep, particularly in winter, and I hate early mornings.

Early bird night owl meme