Are You A Lion, Bear, Dolphin, or Wolf? This Is What You Should Do

In his book 'The Power Of When', Dr. Michael Breus (who is a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist) has proposed that humans can be categorized into four categories according to their internal clock and rhythms. Represented by an animal each, these chronotypes define just when a person should eat, exercise, do exercise and sleep.

According to the Business Insider, adjusting your daily schedule to suit your unique biological rhythm makes you feel more energized.

Dr. Michael Breus started researching on the topic when he noticed that some of his patients were not responding well to insomnia treatments he had prescribed for them. "What I realized," he said, "is that my patients didn't have insomnia - it turns out they were night owls."

Based on their chrono-rhythms (internal body clocks), Breus categorized people in four chronotypes - lion, wolf, dolphin, and bear. During his interview with the CBS News, Breus said that 50% of the people are 'Bears', 15-20% are 'Lions', 15-20% are 'Wolves' while about 10% are 'Dolphins'.

Here are some of the characteristics of these chronotypes:

Lion

Such people are very early risers. They are most alert at noon time and hardly ever take a nap. They are conscientious, practical and optimistic and like their things in order. A lion should wake up at 5:30 am and have his breakfast, and should go to sleep by 10:30 pm.

The best time to do planning for a lion is from 6 to 7 am, holding meetings from 10 am to noon time, brainstorming around 1 to 5 pm, and doing exercise from 5 to 6 pm.

Bear

Such people are often extroverts. They are cautious, friendly and open-minded. They are most alert from mid-morning to early afternoon. They like to remain in familiar zones. A bear should wake up and do a few minutes of exercise at 7 am and go to sleep by 11 pm.

The best time to do difficult tasks for a bear is from 10 am to noon time, brainstorming from 8 to 10 pm, and doing exercise from 6 to 7 pm. Bears should take twenty minutes of nap from 2:30 pm to 2:50 pm.

Dolphin

Highly intelligent, dolphin people are often light sleepers. They are too cautious and a bit on the neurotic side. Such people are most alert at night and are often 'perfectionists' in nature. A dolphin should wake up and exercise at 6:30 am, and go to sleep at 11:30 pm.

They should brainstorm and work on creative projects from 10 am to noon time, and work on intellectually demanding tasks from 4 pm to 6 pm. They should meditate or do yoga from 6 pm to 6:30 pm.

Wolf

The proverbial night owls, they like to stay up late and are late risers. However, they don't need a lot of sleep. They are most alert around 7 pm. Such people are impulsive, creative and moody, and are often known for strong emotional responses. A wolf is most energetic in the evenings. They should wake up between 7 am and 7:30 am, and go to sleep by midnight.

The best time to hold meetings for a wolf is from 4 pm to 6 pm. A few minutes of outdoor exercise at 8:30 am, and a walk again around 1 pm keeps a wolf fit and happy.