The Four Sleep Archetypes
When it comes to discussing sleep, most people divide themselves into two categories: early birds or nocturnal creatures. However, American researcher Michael Breus has revisited the sleep archetypes to include four types of sleepers. These four different sleep archetypes are the lion, wolf, bear, and dolphin. Each archetype corresponds to a different chronotype, which defines when a person’s biologic clock makes them alert or sleepy.Understanding Your Sleep Type
By understanding which sleep archetype (lion, wolf, bear or dolphin) a person belongs to, one can optimize their routine to improve their performance. The chronotype of a person is determined by genetic factors that can be influenced by personal habits and environmental cues. For instance, not everyone is comfortable with waking up early in the morning. However, it’s important to try shifting one’s schedule to align with their chronotype to improve their quality of sleep. Individuals who do not align their schedules with their chronotype often experience insomnia, sensory input issues, and may feel fatigued throughout the day.The Importance of Identifying Your Sleep Archetype
Identifying your sleep archetype will not only help you better understand your sleep pattern, but it will also help you explore the best sleep strategies to improve your sleep quality. Understanding your chronotype can open new doors by making it easier to plan work schedules, efficiently design study times or schedule rest and relaxation activities.The Dolphin Archetype: Characteristics and Tips for Better Sleep
The Dolphin archetype is known for being light sleepers, often having periods of restlessness and poor sleep quality. They have a hyper-sensitive nervous system and are easily stimulated or interrupted. If you are a Dolphin archetype, implementing the following tips may help you sleep better:- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
- Limit exposure to bright screens and lights before sleeping.
- Create a calming sleep environment.
- Stick to a regular, consistent schedule
The Lion Archetype: Characteristics and Tips for Better Sleep
The Lion archetype is an early bird. They are natural optimizers often waking up feeling restless and ready to conquer the world. Because they rise early, they typically find themselves nodding off early in the night. If you are a Lion archetype, here are some tips to optimize your sleep pattern:- Wake up with the sunrise.
- Avoid artificial lighting.
- Create a consistent morning ritual.
- Avoid exposure to bright screens before bedtime.
The Bear Archetype: Characteristics and Tips for Better Sleep
Sleep and appetite play a significant role in the life of the Bear archetype. These individuals are lucid, and it takes them around 90 minutes to become proficient for the day. They’ll experience hunger in the morning and drowsiness at bedtime. If you are a Bear archetype, the following tips may help you optimize for better sleep:- Exercise daily.
- Stick to regular bedtime.
- Expose yourself to sunlight during the day.
- Avoid late-night eating.
The Wolf Archetype: Characteristics and Tips for Better Sleep
Wolf archetypes have high imaginative capabilities, and they can often work until late in the night. They love sleeping late and occasionally do not wake up until late in the morning. If you’re a Wolf archetype, the following tips may help you optimize for better sleep:- Avoid early morning work meetings.
- Eliminate caffeine intake by afternoon.
- Avoid work-related discussions before bedtime.
- Create a mellow environment for bedtime.