Struggling to rise early despite peak energy at night? Or an early riser who fades by evening? Rest assured, this is normal—and genetic. Chronobiology expert Claire Leconte explains in L'Obs that individual sleep needs and activity patterns stem from distinct chronotypes, influencing how well our natural rhythms align with societal demands.
Regardless of work schedules, our chronotype—programmed from birth—dictates sleep preferences. About 25% of people are definitive morning types, another 25% evening types, and the rest adapt flexibly from dawn to dusk.
Leconte advises aligning with your natural rhythm. A 1976 questionnaire with 19 habit-based questions can pinpoint your chronotype. Sleep duration is also genetic: some thrive on 6 hours, others need 8. While lifestyle adjustments help, professional and family obligations often require compromise. Tune into your internal clock as best you can—though explaining a late start to your boss as 'chronotype respect' might not fly.
