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What's an early bird? -

In general, early birds find society more accommodating and have an easier time adjusting to standard daytime schedules. They go to bed early and feel their best when the day begins.

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Pro: they tend to have a more positive outlook -

Often times, night owls get annoyed by chatty early birds. But since people who rise earlier often go to bed earlier, they're more likely to be fully rested. So in the end, their morning positivity is directly related to their rest.

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Con: energy crash -

Whereas night owls get a second burst of energy in the later hours, early birds tend to lose energy as the day goes on without getting a natural energy boost to keep them going.

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Pro: they're better problem solvers -

Because early birds are more rested, they tend to be quite organized and energized, which means they are more prepared to take on any challenges in life.

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Con: less socializing -

With their schedules focused more on the morning and early afternoon, early birds are more likely to skip going out for drinks after work or having a night out.

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Pro: they tend to have better grades and work performance -

Concerning university/college students, those who wake up earlier tend to score higher in exams than their night owl counterparts. This might be because those students who rise at a regular, consistent hour are managing their time well and not staying up so late.

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Con: it can get too loud for them -

As early birds thrive in the mornings, they get more tired in the afternoon, and usually this is when it gets tough for them. As other people get more chatty in the afternoon, they might get grumpy.

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Pro: they have better mental health -

Because mental health experts connect organization and a good night's rest with a healthier mind, it's no surprise that early birds generally have better mental health.

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Con: they always wake up the same time -

If morning larks are used to waking up early at the same time during the week, expect it to happen on weekends as well. The internal clock already knows when to wake, and it doesn't matter how tired they might be.

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Pro: they get a smoother commute -

By rising early, they can be out the door and well ahead of hundreds of commuters and drivers. This makes their journey to work much smoother and less stressful.

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Con: they can give off the wrong impression -

By always being early, early birds may give people the wrong impression. Rather than seeing them as a punctual person, fellow workers may think they work too hard and that they can never switch off.

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Pro: they get uninterrupted time to work -

Fewer distractions equal better productivity. Getting to work earlier before their colleagues can keep them from procrastinating and allow plenty of time to focus on the task at hand.

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Con: people expect too much from them -

Getting to work early can also affect how people see them, negatively. Their coworkers may start to think that they're pushovers, and take them for granted.

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Pro: they get a better rest -

As early birds have a better sleep cycle, it increases the effectiveness of the natural sleep stages that the body needs to heal and promote healthy brain function. Therefore, early birds have a better and deeper rest.

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Con: it may go against their body -

Everyone is different, and that includes our body clocks and when we work at our best. If early birds are struggling with work and staying up late, then they need to listen to their bodies and take a step back.

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Pro: they eat healthier -

Early birds are more productive in the mornings, which means they tend to make healthier food choices by preparing their lunch and having breakfast.

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Con: naps can mess up their night sleep -

As early birds get up early, it can cause them to have a tired slump during the day. And to combat this, they might take a nap in the afternoon. The problem is that this might make it hard for them to sleep later at night.

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Pro: they have more time to exercise -

People who are up early often have time to squeeze in morning workouts. This is great, as you burn more calories and get time in the evening for family and friends.

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Con: there are health issues -

While there are no direct health issues with being a morning lark, sometimes waking up early is a symptom of some health issues. This may be the case if they don’t really feel that energy surge in the morning and are always tired.

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Pro: they have better work-life balance -

As early birds get their work and tasks done during the day, they can better balance their personal life and enjoy time with family and friends.

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Pro: they're more organized -

As morning larks are up early, they have time to lay out their day in advance by also creating a series of approachable goals. Heading out to traffic is also much smoother, as they don't have to rush.

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Con: possible sleep deprivation -

This depends on the type of job they have. If their job means they stay up late, it might be doing them more harm than good, as they won't be getting enough sleep.

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Pro: they're more serene -

Rising early gives morning people the time to really enjoy the space around them. By giving themselves time to do nothing, they get to unwind and remove all the mental stimulation that the day brings.

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Con: lack of flexibility -

As morning larks are usually up by sunrise, they tend to be on time for things. But when an inconvenience pops up, it can be hard for them to work around it without feeling pressured or stressed.

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Pro: they have more energy -

Early risers tend to have a better sleep pattern than night owls. Therefore they also have deeper cycles of sleep, which means they get more rest and are energized in the mornings.

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Recognizing your personal sleeping pattern -

And if you're still not sure if you're really an early bird, then the easiest way to figure it out is by recognizing your personal sleeping pattern. Do so by putting away your alarm clock and experiment with when you naturally go to bed and wake up.

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Recognizing your personal sleeping pattern -

It might take several days for your body to settle into its natural pattern. But eventually you'll notice you go to bed and wake up at around the same time.

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It's all about the sleep quality -

Whether you thrive until the late hours of the night or on early mornings, it's all about the sleep quality you get. In the end, good sleep plays an essential role in physical and mental well-being.

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Things can change -

Also, your sleep pattern can change as you get older. As you enter middle age, you may find yourself becoming more of an early riser.

Sources: (Healthline) (The Guardian) (Inc.) 

See also: Quick and healthy breakfast ideas for a busy morning

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