How Personal Circadian Rhythms Affect Mental Performance

College of Charleston psychology professor Cindi May has published an article for The Conversation that examines the study of personal circadian rhythms known as chronotypes.

May’s research indicates that chronotype affects your mental performance. She says that understanding the kinds of mental processes that vary over the course of a day may help people schedule their tasks in a way that optimizes performance.

“For those who are true early birds or night owls, tackling the toughest mental tasks at times that align with their personal circadian peaks could improve their outcomes,” says May. “When small improvements in performance offer an essential edge, synchrony may be one secret to success.”