Gaby
Night owls typically earn less than early birds. A team of researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland found an average income gap of about four percent between the two groups.
During their study, the scientists uncovered a connection between the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms), lifestyle choices, and salary levels. They said the results mainly apply to middle-aged people who spend more time working.
What the Researchers Discovered
The team analyzed data on education, work experience, lifestyle, and health status from 12,000 individuals.
The researchers focused on night owls — people with an evening chronotype, as the Daily Mail described it. People who are active in the evening and at night often show behaviors linked to lower earnings: smoking, higher alcohol consumption, less physical activity, higher BMI, poor diets, and long screen time.
The team calculated that participants with an evening chronotype earn four percent less than early risers.
Dr. Andrew Conlin, a co-author of the study, says night owls "tend to accumulate less human, social, and medical capital." He adds that poor lifestyle choices in middle age are tied to lower income levels.
The team said the findings could help employers recognize employees’ chronotypes. Because night owls are more active at night, they often have sleep problems and then struggle to focus during the most productive parts of the day.
The report, published in the journal Economics and Human Biology, says people with an evening chronotype are likely to earn more if they improve their lifestyle.
