While growing up, we often hear our parents nagging at us to sleep early.
Their favourite line is always ‘the early bird catches the worm’ which is what they would use as an excuse to make us go to bed early.
However, several studies have proven that those who sleep late are actually more intelligent and creative, Davidwolfe reported.
A study by Satoshi Kanazawa and Kaja Perina showed that intelligent children are usually ‘night owls’ in adulthood. And those who aren’t as bright won’t have the habit or staying up late.
“More intelligent children are more likely to grow up to be nocturnal adults who go to bed late and wake up late on both weekdays and weekends.”
More intelligent individuals are more likely to be nocturnal than less intelligent individuals.”
Another study further supported the correlation between sleeping late and intelligence in teenagers.
“The study found that night owls scored higher on inductive reasoning tests, which is related to general intelligence, than their morning bird counterparts.”
Additionally, a different study tested on adults instead of youngsters and the results also proved that intelligence and sleeping patterns correlate.
But that study also added tests on creativity and lo and behold, night owls are very creative too!
“Researchers scored the completed activities on originality, elaboration, fluidity and flexibility factors.
“Evening types aced each test based on these criteria while morning and intermediate type people struggled to get scores over 50.”
The research leader for this paper explained that the reason why night owls are creative is because of not following the norm.
“(It is due to the) development of a non-conventional spirit and of the ability to find alternative and original solutions.”
There is also the stereotype that all those who sleep late are lazy and ‘blur blur’. But another research has shown people who sleep late are actually able to stay mentally alert longer than those who wake up early.
The study monitored 15 extreme night owls and 16 extreme early birds. Then, they got some participants to practice the sleeping patterns of these extremes.
Brain activities were scanned right after they wake up and once again a few hours later.
“10.5 hours after waking up, the early birds had lower activity in brain regions linked to attention and the circadian master clock, compared to night owls.”
So maybe it is time for us all to take a good look at our sleeping patterns. And maybe ask our bosses to put office hours a bit later? 😛
Read more: Studies Show People With Higher IQ Tend To Sleep Late, Be Messy And Curse More!
