 "Vantage | What makes you a morning person? Science has the answer")
In a world that glorifies early risers, the age-old adages echo loudly: “The early bird gets the worm” and “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” From Mahatma Gandhi to Tim Cook, the notion of waking up early has been championed by many successful individuals. However, is this cultural emphasis on early rising applicable to everyone, or is it merely a genetic predisposition inherited from our ancient ancestors, the Neanderthals?
Genetic connection
Recent studies suggest that being a morning person or a night owl may be deeply embedded in our DNA, inherited from the Neanderthals. These archaic humans, who lived until about 40,000 years ago, adapted to early rising due to their geographic location on higher altitudes with shorter winter days. The genes responsible for their body clocks have been passed down to modern humans influencing our sleep patterns and habits.
From an evolutionary standpoint, being an early riser made sense for our ancestors. It allowed them to gather food and stand guard against potential threats emerging in the early hours. Today, these genetic traits manifest in individuals who naturally wake up early, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of evolution on our daily lives.
Modern dilemma
In a world that demands everyone to wake up early, the question arises: Is it realistic or beneficial for everyone to conform to this norm? Forcing oneself to become a morning person might go against one’s genetic makeup, leading to potential stress and discomfort.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsScientifically, early risers are often characterised as more analytical, cooperative and goal-oriented, while night owls tend to be imaginative, individualistic and creative. However, around 50 per cent of the global population falls outside these categories, challenging the conventional wisdom that only early risers possess qualities conducive to success.
In a society that tends to reward the early risers, it’s essential to recognise and appreciate the unique qualities of night owls and those who don’t fit neatly into either category. Redefining success should involve acknowledging and embracing individual differences, rather than adhering strictly to societal norms.
As we navigate the debate on waking up early, it’s crucial to strike a balance between embracing our natural circadian rhythms and meeting the demands of a fast-paced world. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, success should be defined on your terms, respecting the inherent qualities that make you unique. So, let’s put an end to the early rising debate and celebrate the diversity of sleep patterns that enrich our global tapestry.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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