What your sleep schedule says about you

Winter is chaotic, your rest doesn’t have to be.

As winter reaches its peak, we can feel the sudden changes in the air: it’s cold outside, the days are darker and the trek to school feels like climbing the Everest. Add in caffeinated study sessions, last-minute assignments and “Week 1” material not making sense, and the semester can start to feel overwhelming. But there’s one thing everyone shares in common:

Their sleep schedules (well… more so the lack of it).

Energy drinks are being popped while you and your friend discuss the hours of sleep each of you got. On the other hand, you notice your classmate looks so energetic that they’re ready to tackle the world.

How? Simple. Different sleep schedules call for different personalities (and energy levels).

So let’s decode your sleep personality:

1. The early bird

a man waking up early as the sun shines around his room — *Via GIPHY*

You are awake before others can hit the snooze button. Thriving on morning routines, to-do lists and sunrises, you are known for planning everything perfectly and you love the magical feeling of being one step ahead.

Early to rise means you are also early to bed. As soon as the clock strikes 8 p.m., it’s Z’s and dreamland from there.

Early birds are often known to perform well academically, thanks to the consistent sleep schedule and routines. In addition, early birds are perceived as achievement-oriented, mindful and agreeable.

2. The night owl

Batman standing on top of a builidng as lightning flashes in the background — *Via GIPHY*

When the world is asleep, you are awake. That doesn’t mean you are lazy, just nocturnal. You work best when the moon’s out. Maybe it’s the silence, the moonlight or maybe you are just Batman himself!

You thrive in calm and quiet environments, having your best ideas come up when everyone is asleep. Your favourite thing to say is probably “It’s 8 a.m. somewhere.”

Operating out of the traditional routine, night owls are often described as being intelligent, creative and perceptive, allowing them to think of creative solutions when the sun has set.

Just remember: even Batman needs sleep.

3. The “I’ll sleep when I’m tired”

animated baby falling asleep and waking up as he bangs his head on the table — *Via GIPHY*

“Is it just me or are the words on my laptop dancing?” Does that sentence sound familiar?

Your sleep schedule is so fluid and flexible that it’s almost artistic. Sleeping when tired and waking up when recharged, your body works all on vibes.

You are spontaneous, adaptable and easygoing. You trust your instincts and don’t really enjoy sticking to rigid schedules. Traditional routines give you major ick, but you do have your resilience on your side. Still, your future self will thank you for tossing in a little structure

Next sleep session? It’ll happen when it needs to happen.

4. The interval napper

a woman sleeping on a couch — *Via GIPHY*

You don’t sleep, you take nap shifts. A 20-minute nap after class, a 40-minute nap before studying or the greatest challenge of napping with your eyes open while the professor teaches.

You have mastered the art of quick naps and operate solely on energy bursts. Along with perfecting the art of waking up exactly with your alarm, you know exactly where the next couch, desk or booth is.

This approach is sworn to work…until it doesn’t.

5. The all-nighter

animation of a monkey working and drinking coffee as he day passes by in the background window — *Via GIPHY*

Not really a sleep schedule, but reading your lecture notes at 3 a.m. can feel like a fever dream. One minute you are reviewing practice questions and the next you notice sunlight pouring in from the window.

You thrive when deadlines are closing in and coffee is your ultimate best friend. Your productivity spikes in crisis situations (AKA the group project that no one worked on) and your hyperfocus mode activates at the most unpredictable times.

Although all-nighters seem ideal during your midterm season, it’s important to have a power nap to avoid uncontrollable yawns. Find your recharge spot with the Zen Zone and Sleep Lounge.

A quick rest and you’re on your way to get that A.

Z’s are the key to A’s

A kid sleeping at a stadium wearing a blue and red cap — *Via GIPHY*

Let’s be real, when it comes to the combination of winter + assignments, sleep is usually the first thing students sacrifice, but it’s the last thing they should. A good sleep can help boost memory, focus and your mood.

Which, to reiterate, is the ultimate study hack!

You wouldn’t write your essay if your laptop is clinging to one per cent battery. Think the same for yourself, a good sleep is just you recharging your internal battery!

And if you need a place to recharge? IGNITE’s Sleep Lounge and Zen Zone are waiting for you!

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

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