Chronotypes
Chronotypes describe the natural timing of your body clock—when you’re wired to wake, work, and wind down.
Chronotypes in Biology
Chronotypes are the nuances of our our individual Circadian rhythm. All of our bodies run on an internal clock that regulate sleep, alertness, and energy levels on a 24-hour cycle. But not everyone’s “clock” is set the same: some people naturally wake early and feel sharp in the morning, while others peak later in the day. Research shows this is influenced by genetics, age, and exposure to light. This is often measured on a morning-evening spectrum rather than in rigid categories.
Chronotypes in Pop Science
The popular version translates these rhythms into animal types—like bear, lion, wolf, and dolphin. They’re a simplified way of talking about whether you function best early, late, or in between, but have no medical or biological basis.
Bear – Energy follows the sun: awake with daylight, tired after dark.
Lion – Early riser with peak focus in the morning.
Wolf – Night owl who hits their stride later in the day.
Dolphin – Light sleeper with irregular energy and alertness.
Further reading: The Power of When by Michael Breus
