the early bird get’s [sic] the worm, originally uploaded by thomas23

Here’s a piece of marketing copy from the not too distant future: “Tired of Early Birds Getting the Worm? Try <insert treatment here>!” The thought hit me while reading Brad Feld’s recent post on morning routine; he writes:

Some people are early birds; some people are night owls. I’ve always been an early bird.

Actually, this distinction has a bit of scientific history that’s worth delving into. In 1976, the Horne-Ostberg “Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire” (MEQ) established a classification system for interpreting variations in human circadian rythms. We all experience daily peaks and valleys in hormone levels and physical function (as measured by temperature, cortisol, and melatonin amongst other factors) which end up impacting our energy, but our peaks and valleys don’t fall at the same time. Such differences determine our “chronotype.” And interestingly, since pop culture seems intent on a binary classification system, the early bird/night owl distinction leaves out the vast majority of folks (60-70%) who fall in the “mid-range.”

So what to do if you’re intent on becoming an early bird and catching the worm? Well, it seems chronotypes aren’t fully fixed. Consider the following article penned by an A. Bahammam out of the Sleep Disorder Center at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia: “Does Ramadan fasting affect sleep?” The piece suggests that fasting does indeed impact physiological factors that push individuals into “night owl” mode. And I’m sure with enough digging I’d find “early bird” inducing activities or treatments. Dave Spence at Time-To-Run writes:

Your chronotype is partially determined by genetics. You are simply born with a disposition towards being and [sic] early-bird or a night-owl. There are other factors, however, that contribute to your chronotype. They include lifestyle, attitude and age. [source]

Surely, as folks increasingly opt for non-critical, but life-enhancing medical treatment, one’s chronotype will fall under the magnifying glass. Indeed, if Brad’s extensive blogroll and capacity for active investment is any indicator, we could all do with some early bird “blood.”

And for any happily tranquil healthcare Luddites, I leave you with a classic Shel Silverstein poem:

Early Bird

Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird
And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.
If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-
But if you’re a worm, sleep late.