Winter informed me that to some extent, our Chronotypes are genetic;
Late Chronotypes(“night owls”)
are tired during the morning, but feel awake in the evening.
While our Chronotypes generally remain stable for large portions of our lives,
they do change.
This can be a particular issue for early Chronotypes, starting especially in middle age.
In fact, Dr. Winter says that our Chronotypes can push us toward(or away from) specific careers
without us realizing it.
But it would be a good idea for all couples to carefully consider their own and their partner's Chronotypes.
When it comes to the timing of exercise, all Chronotypes should be aware that exercising too
close to bedtime may interfere with sleep.
For example, early Chronotypes(“morning larks”)
rise early and are most active in the morning, but feel tired late in the afternoon or early evening.
For all Chronotypes, it's a good idea to avoid everything but the gentlest forms of exercise-
light stretching, relaxed yoga, and after-dinner stroll- within 3-4 hours of bedtime.
This means, essentially, that it's easier to sleep in late than to go to bed early-
especially for people whose Chronotypes make them naturally more alert in the evening.