![person lying on bed while covering face with pillow and holding eyeglasses](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zrrF7f8XQFJM7MtfumaFJi-415-80.jpg)
You might be forgiven for thinking that a preference for rising early or for staying up late doesn't have much bearing on anything other than your feelings towards your alarm clock. But recently we reported on a study that concluded early risers were less likely to suffer from depression, and further digging reveals that in fact, a natural tendency towards 'morningness' or 'eveningness' can actually be linked to certain personality types.
Personality is often considered in terms of the Big 5 traits – Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness – which can are then be subdivided into further facets. A 2021 study found links between particular personality traits and earlier chronotypes (morning people) or later chronotypes (night owls). T3 spoke to Anita Lenneis, the lead author on the paper, to find out more.
"We found that when controlling for age, gender, education, and season, Conscientiousness was linked to earlier chronotypes, whereas Openness was linked to later chronotypes," she explains.
When you break things down into more specific facets of each trait, there are more interesting links. Earlier chronotypes reported higher levels of self-discipline (a facet of Conscientiousness), while later chronotypes were linked to higher levels of straightforwardness (a facet of Agreeableness) and excitement-seeking (a facet of Extraversion).
The study used both a questionnaire and DNA testing, and both found these same conclusions, which means these links could be partly due to genetics.
Cause or effect?
While that study didn't look into whether there's a cause and effect relationship between chronotype and personality traits, Anita says that, from a personality psychologist's point of view, there are a few ways in which one might influence the other.
For example, there are two ways in which your personality might influence your chronotype. The first is that your personality shapes your preference for certain social activities, which in turn affects when you wake up and go to bed. "For example, people who score high in excitement-seeking might more often engage in alcohol usage and risky sexual behaviours – behaviours that typically occur later during the day," says Anita.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
The second way is that your certain personality types might be more likely to make active decisions relating to their sleep and wakeup times. "Highly conscientious people typically are on time and do not oversleep, so they might go to bed earlier so that they do not miss important meetings."
However, it could just as easily be the other way around. "It could also be that people's chronotype influences their personality – so because people are alert in the evening, they might try out new restaurants and bars, i.e. a something that people high in Openness enjoy doing," says Anita. "Personality and chronotype might also mutually influence each other, which is supported by our findings that personality and chronotype also correlate with each other at a genetic level."
You can read the full paper here.
Read more:
- Explore T3's best mattress ranking
- The best wake-up lights can promote a more natural wake-sleep cycle
- Here's how to sleep better at night
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
REM-Fit Tencel Cool mattress protector review: a waterproof protector with temperature control
This Rem-Fit mattress protector guards against spills while shielding you from allergens and wicking moisture away for a comfortable sleep
By Alistair Charlton Last updated
-
I tried the Wim Hof breathing hack and I’ve never slept better
What is Wim Hof breathing and does it help with sleep?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Expert reveals the exact colour you should paint your bedroom for restful sleep
What colour is your bedroom wall?
By Lizzie Wilmot Last updated
-
Loop upgrades its popular earplugs with highest noise reduction levels to date
Loop launches new Quiet 2 Plus earplugs with better noise reduction and comfort than before
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Last updated
-
Momcozy Sunrise Wake-up Light review: a 4-in-1 device that promotes a restful night's sleep
It functions as an alarm clock, sound machine, wake-up light and seven-colour night light
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Oura experts reveal women sleep better than men – but there’s one exception
Why women’s sleep changes during their cycle, and how to sleep better on your period
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Survey finds the majority of Brits are angry from tiredness – here’s how to fix it
‘Tangry’ is the new ‘Hangry’, according to new sleep survey
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Londoners are the worst sleepers in the UK, reveals Oura experts
Oura study reveals Brits have surprisingly good sleep habits but there’s room for improvement
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published