Abstract

Abstract Several self-evaluation instruments have been developed for identifying the individual circadian typology. The use of these instruments suggests the idea that the morningness-eveningness dimension could be considered as a continuum between two extremes. Aim of the present work is to support such an idea by means of external criteria. A sample of 222 subjects was administered the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Six typologies were considered: definitely morning, moderately morning, intermediate-morning, intermediate-evening, moderately evening, and definitely evening. Body temperature, and subjective alertness readings were collected at 08:00, 14:00, and 23:00 in counterbalanced order. As regards subjective alertness a significant interaction (ANOVA) between circadian typology and time of day was found. At 08:00 the recorded values of subjective alertness gradually increased starting from the definitely evening extreme typology to the definitely morning one, vice-versa at 23:00. These results seem to support the idea that the morningness-eveningness dimension could be considered as a continuum between two extremes: morning-evening preference. Nevertheless, this is especially true for subjective alertness. Suggestions about how to use the MEQ are put forward.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call