Are you a morning person?

Most of us know whether we are morning people or night people. I am a very early riser. Long before it is light outside, I am wide awake and, yes, on my iPad or computer. Most of my creative work is done early. The later in the day it gets, the less lively I am. And don’t ask me any hard questions after 3 p.m.

People who study sleep patterns label people either “night owls” or “larks.” Apparently, much of our predisposition is linked to our DNA. If you want to delve even further into the science, our 24-hour (circadian) sleep-wake cycle is influenced by hormone levels, body temperature, and blood pressure. One scientist maintains there should be a third category, which he calls the “hummingbirds.” The hummingbirds, some 70% of us, are people who can usually adapt when they need to, though it's easier or harder to do so depending on where you fall along the body-clock continuum.

The Big Guy and I stick to a pretty predictable pattern. Both morning people, we know we need exercise and do it in the morning. Like going to the office, we both pursue our exercise of choice. For me, it is Jazzercise. We share lunch at home or at one of our favorite island eateries. Then we fight the sleepies. Again, researchers reassure us that it isn’t a big meal or any meal in the middle of the day; it is that darn circadian clock. The dip occurs at 2:30 p.m. for most, but can vary depending on whether you are an owl or a lark. So, what to do? Many other cultures just give in to it and declare a siesta time. We try to keep moving and save our sleep time for overnight.

I have not always been a morning person. Memories of pulling blankets up and holding pillows over my ears as my mother tried to get me out of my teenage bed come to mind. Raising three boys offered huge challenges each morning, especially when they were committed to paper routes! Like so many things, as we look back at raising kids, we wonder — how did we do it? Getting three boys, their homework, lunch or lunch money, proper clothing for whatever weather, etc. out the door was pretty amazing in retrospect. At the end of the day, chaos again, different schools, sports schedules, doctor and dentist appointments, etc. We were awesome and have to chuckle a bit as we watch our children dealing with the same early morning schedules and demands.

Knowing that you are a morning person or a night person helps in planning daily communication. Marriages can be challenged when a night person and morning person tie the knot. Careful negotiations may need to be made. Communication with someone who has been woken up can get ugly and should be avoided. Friends who are night people should not be called early by a perky morning person.

So owl, lark or hummingbird, be respectful of others' sleep-wake cycles.