Morgen- vs. Abendensch

Why do some people get up easily at 6 a.m., while others don't really get going until after midnight? The answer lies not in laziness or discipline – but in our internal clock, also Chronotype In this article, we look at how morning and evening people differ, how our bodies control this, and what this means for everyday life, health, and sleep.

Table of contents

1. What is a chronotype – and why is it important?
2. The typical morning person (“lark”)
3. The typical evening person (“owl”)
4. Why these differences are biologically anchored
5. What happens when you live against your type?

6. Conclusion

1. What is a chronotype – and why is it important?

Every person has an individual internal clock, which determines when we prefer to sleep, get up, eat, or work with concentration. This internal clock is located deep in the brain – in the so-called suprachiasmatic nucleus – and is mainly controlled by light.

Science broadly distinguishes between three chronotypes:

• Morning type (“lark”)

• Evening type (“owl”)

• Neutral type

These types influence our Energy level, our mood, performance – and thus our whole lives.

2. The typical morning person (“lark”)

Larks like to get up early, are productive in the morning, and feel their fittest in the morning. Their day often starts before 7 a.m., and they tire quickly in the evening—many voluntarily go to bed before 10 p.m.

Features:

• Getting up early is easy

• Like to work concentrated in the morning

• Early sleep pressure (tired around 9-10 pm)

• More regular sleeping habits

• Often compatible with traditional working hours

3. The typical evening person (“owl”)

Owls only really come alive towards evening. They often struggle with sluggishness in the morning, but are particularly mentally active at night. Going to bed before midnight? It's unimaginable—even when they try, they often don't fall asleep until late.

Features:

• Tired in the morning, fit in the evening

• Concentration peak often from 6 p.m.

• Bedtime often after midnight

• Like to wake up later on weekends

• More frequently confronted with sleep problems in everyday life (e.g. due to getting up early)

4. Why these differences are biologically anchored

The cause lies in the genetic programming our internal clock. Researchers have identified certain “Clock genes” identified that influence the sleep-wake rhythm.

Hormones also play a role:

• Melatonin, the “sleep hormone,” is often released later in owls.

• Cortisol, which ensures alertness, rises earlier in larks.

Influencing factors also include:

• Old (Young people are often owls, older people tend to be larks)

• daylight (depending on season and location)

• lifestyle (Shift work, screen time, travel)

5. What happens when you live against your type?

People who live permanently contrary to their natural rhythm – for example, owls who have to get up at 6 a.m. every day – can develop long-term health problems.

Possible consequences:

• Chronic fatigue and concentration problems

• Poor sleep quality

• Increased risk of depression and burnout

• Metabolic problems and weight gain

• Social isolation (“social jet lag”)

Tip: If you can, you should adapt your daily routine as much as possible to your own chronotype – for example, by having flexible working hours or scheduling later appointments.

6. Conclusion

• Every person has a individual internal clock (chronotype) – and that’s completely normal.

• Larks are active in the morning, owls more in the evening – both types have their advantages.

• Who lives against his rhythm, risks long-term sleep problems and health problems.

• Pay attention to your natural rhythm – for better sleep, more energy and well-being.