Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

Polish version of the reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire

The aim of this study was to develop a Polish version of the reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ). The sample consisted of 1191 university students (52% females) aged 18–24 years (M = 21.46; SD = 1.49). The Polish version of rMEQ resulted in four items, whose numbers in the original Horne and Östberg Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were 1, 4, 9, 19. Cronbach's α coefficient was .732, and the inter-item correlations ranged between .396 and .452. Based on the eigenvalue-greater-than-one criterion, a one factor was excluded which explained 56% of variance and had eigenvalue of 2.258. The correlation between Polish versions of rMEQ and MEQ was .89, and based on the two questionnaires separately, 81% of participants were categorised into the same chronotype group. Age and gender were not related to rMEQ and MEQ scores.

Morningness-eveningness questionnaire score correlates with glycated hemoglobin in middle-aged male workers with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

'Morningness' and 'eveningness' represent the sleep-wake patterns of the circadian rhythm might also affect glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the morningness-eveningness trait and metabolic parameters. The study participants comprised 101 Japanese male workers with type 2 diabetes treated in an outpatient clinic. Blood samples were obtained, and a morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), where a high score represents morningness; and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), where the higher the score the worse the sleep quality, were carried out. MEQ correlated positively with age, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and negatively with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and PSQI. Multivariate regression analysis showed that MEQ was significantly associated with HbA1c and HDL-C. In addition, we classified the study patients into three groups: 'morning type', 'neither type' and 'evening type' according to the sum of the MEQ score, and analyzed the difference between morning type (n=32) and evening type (n=11). We found that HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and PSQI of the morning type group were significantly lower than those of the evening type group. The present study suggests that 'eveningness' type male Japanese workers with type 2 diabetes suffer inadequate glycemic control.

Age-related chronotype differences in Chinese, and reliability assessment of a reduced version of the Chinese Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire

There has been a lot of international research on morning/evening preference, but relatively little has been done in mainland China. This study investigated whether the trend for increased morning preference in older adults, which has been a consistent finding in chronotype research in many countries, is also found in Chinese. Using the Chinese translation of the MorningnessEveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), it was found that a sample of 305 Beijing residents, aged 1887, showed a significant correlation between MEQ score and age (r = 0.595), and that participants aged 50+ showed significantly more morning preference compared to younger participants. Additionally, a reliability assessment of the 5-question reduced MEQ (rMEQ) was undertaken. Testretest assessment, involving a separate sample (n= 114), showed significant correlations between rMEQ and MEQ scores (r = 0.768), and between chronotype classifications (r = 0.524), supporting the reliability of the Chinese rMEQ.

Morningness–eveningness and temperament: The Regulative Theory of Temperament perspective

The aim of the present study was to test whether morningness–eveningness is related to the six dimensions of temperament postulated in the Regulative Theory of Temperament: briskness (BR), perseveration (PE), sensory sensitivity (SS), emotional reactivity (ER), endurance (EN), and activity (AC). A sample of 581 undergraduates (age: 21.92±2.54; 381 female) completed the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory. Data was analysed using linear and quadratic hierarchical regressions. The MEQ scores exhibited linear associations with BR and EN and quadratic relationships with PE, ER and AC. Morningness was related to high levels of EN, BR and AC and low levels of PE and ER, while eveningness was associated with low levels of EN, ER, BR and PE and high levels of AC. Subjects in the middle of the morningness–eveningness dimension exhibited high levels of PE and ER, low levels of AC, and average levels of EN and BR. Morningness was related to the most advantageous temperament profile, and temperament is discussed as a possible mediator between morningness–eveningness and mood and affective disorders.

Habitual Sleep/Wake Patterns in the Old Order Amish: Heritability and Association with Non-Genetic Factors

We sought to evaluate the contribution of genetic and non-genetic factors on habitual sleep/wake patterns in a community-dwelling agrarian population using a physical activity monitoring device, the Actical. Cross-sectional population-based study of healthy Old Order Amish enrolled in the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study. Lancaster County, PA, USA. 723 healthy adults (54% men) with a mean age of 43.3 ± 13.8 years (range: 20-80). 96% of the subjects were connected into one 5-generation pedigree. N/A. Participants wore Actical accelerometers 24 hours/day for 7 days to determine physical activity level, as well as habitual wake time, bedtime, and sleep duration. Participants completed the Horne-Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), a modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and a lifestyle questionnaire. A sub-study of 164 participants kept sleep diaries. Habitual wake time and bedtime determined by Actical were highly correlated with results from sleep diaries (r = 0.82 for wake time and 0.72 for bedtime, both P < 0.0001). After adjustment for age, sex, occupation, and season, higher activity level was associated with earlier wake time but not with bedtime, and correspondingly with shorter sleep duration. After adjustment for the aforementioned factors and the effects of a shared household, habitual wake time, MEQ score, and ESS score showed significant heritability (wake time h(2) = 0.20, MEQ h(2) = 0.21, and ESS h(2) = 0.17). Objectively measured wake time, self-reported morningness-eveningness preference, and daytime sleepiness appear heritable and wake time may be associated with physical activity level.

Dietary intake is associated with human chronotype as assessed by both morningness–eveningness score and preferred midpoint of sleep in young Japanese women

We analyzed the association between dietary intake and chronotype as assessed by both Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) score and preferred midpoint of sleep in 112 young Japanese women. Dietary intake was assessed by a brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire. A lower MEQ score (evening-type tendency) showed a significant association with a lower energy-adjusted intake of protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins (D, riboflavin, and B6), and vegetables, and with a higher intake of noodles. Furthermore, a later midpoint of sleep showed a significant association with a lower energy-adjusted intake of protein, cholesterol, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins (D, riboflavin, B6, and B12), soy, fish and shellfish, and eggs, and with a higher intake of noodles, bread, and confections. These data suggest that evening chronotype is associated with inadequate dietary habits such as low vitamin and mineral intakes.

Morningness-Eveningness Preferences and Academic Achievement of University Students

The present study investigates whether the circadian preferences of students are related to their academic achievements. This study explores whether different class times affect students' achievement and examines the performance of students on final exams administered at 09:30 h for differences according to chronotype. A total of 1471 university students between 18 and 25 yrs of age responded to a morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), and data on their cumulative grade point averages (CGPA) were also collected from their transcripts. Some of the students in the sample attended classes during the first teaching period, which started at 08:00 h and ended at 14:50 h, and the remaining students followed the second schedule, which started at 15:00 h and ended at 21:50 h. MEQ scores were found to differ by sex. MEQ scores partially predicted academic success and that students' academic achievements differed according to the time of the teaching period. Moreover, final exam (administered at 09:30 h) scores differed with respect to their circadian preferences; students with a morning preference achieved higher scores than either those with an evening or intermediate preference. Both teaching and test start times thus impact academic performance. (Author correspondence: sbesoluk@sakarya.edu.tr)

EVENING PREFERENCE IS RELATED TO THE INCIDENCE OF DEPRESSIVE STATES INDEPENDENT OF SLEEP-WAKE CONDITIONS

Although evening preference has recently been identified as a risk factor for depression, it has not been substantiated whether evening preference is a direct risk factor for depressive states, or if it is associated secondarily through other factors, such as delayed sleep timing and shortened sleep duration. The objective of this study is to investigate associations in Japanese adult subjects between evening preference and incidence of depressive states, adjusting for various sleep parameters related to depressive states. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were administered to 1170 individuals (493 males/677 females; mean and range 38.5 and 20–59 yrs) to assess their diurnal preferences, sleeping states, and presence of depression symptoms. Subjects were classified into five chronotypes based on MEQ scores. Evening preference was associated with delayed sleep timing, shortened sleep duration, deteriorated subjective sleep quality, and worsened daytime sleepiness. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the extreme evening type (odds ratio [OR] = 1.926, p = .018) was associated with increased incidence of depressive states and that the extreme morning type (OR = 0.342, p = .038) was associated with the decreased incidence of depressive states, independent of sleep parameters, such as nocturnal awakening (OR = 1.844, p < .001), subjective sleep quality (OR = 2.471, p < .001), and daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.895, p = .001). However, no significant associations were observed between the incidence of depressive states and sleep duration, sleep timing, and sleep debt (levels of insufficient sleep). Although the findings of this study do not demonstrate a causative relationship between evening preference and depression, they do suggest the presence of functional associations between mood adjustment and biological clock systems that regulate diurnal preference. They also suggest that evening preference might increase susceptibility to the induction of mood disorders. (Author correspondence: mishima@ncnp.go.jp)

Morningness–eveningness preferences and university entrance examination scores of high school students

This study explored whether morningness–eveningness preference influences achievement in a standardised university entrance examination. A total of 235 senior high school students aged 17–19 years responded to the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). The obtained MEQ responses indicated that out of 235 participants, 19.1% were “moderately morning” type, 68.1% were “neither” type, 11.9% were “moderately evening” type and 0.9% were “definitely evening” type (there was no “definitely morning” type student in the sample). A significant correlation was observed between MEQ scores and university entrance examination scores. In addition, morningness–eveningness preference was found to effect success in a university entrance examination. “Morning” type students performed better compared to “neither” type and “evening” type students, indicating that students with “morning” type circadian preference are at an advantage because of the starting time of the university entrance examination.

Depressive symptomatology is influenced by chronotypes

BackgroundRhythm disturbances are a frequent clinical manifestation of depression. In recent years a possible relationship between depression and chronotypes has emerged. Specifically eveningness has been proposed as vulnerability factor. The aim of this study was to describe sleep features of depressed patients according to chronotypes and to explore possible associations with the clinical features of depressive episodes. Methods100 patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder according to the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were included (age: 34±11.74, range: 18–60 years; female/male:79/21). At admission the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) was administered. Patients were also administered the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Athens Insomnia Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. ResultsAccording to MEQ scores patients were classified in three groups: a) eveningness (n=18), b) neither (n=61) and c) morningness type (n=21). The age was different among chronotypes, being morningness-type patients older. The eveningness-type group showed higher scores in suicidal thoughts, more impaired work and activities, higher paranoid symptoms, higher scores on the anxiety cluster (HRSD), while the morningness-type group showed lower proportion of melancholic symptoms (MINI). We did not find association between sleep parameters and specific chronotypes. LimitationsThe relatively small sample size and the concurrent assessment of chronotypes and depression may have biased our findings. ConclusionsOur data suggest the idea that chronotypes have an impact on depressive episodes features, with higher severity for the eveningness-type.

Season of birth and personality in healthy young adults

The purpose of this study was to explore a possible season of birth effect on big five personality traits, taking into account also gender and circadian typology variables. A sample of 419 healthy young adults (249 females and 170 males) was administered the self-report version of the Big Five Observer (BFO) and the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) to determine, respectively, personality features and circadian preference. Participants were subdivided into four season groups, according to their birth date. No significant season of birth effect was observed as regards personality traits even if summer-born participants tended to score lower on the conscientiousness dimension. In regard to the conscientiousness domain, there was a significant interaction between gender and season of birth. Males presented greater conscientiousness variation with summer born participants scoring lower. On the basis of a multiple regression analysis, MEQ score proved to be a better predictor of conscientiousness than gender, age, and season of birth. The results provide no clear evidence for a season of birth effect on the big five personality traits. It is possible that circadian preference may modulate the season of birth effect on personality traits.

Influence of chronotype and social zeitgebers on sleep/wake patterns

Inter-individual differences in the phase of the endogenous circadian rhythms have been established. Individuals with early circadian phase are called morning types; those with late circadian phase are evening types. The Horne and Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) is the most frequently used to assess individual chronotype. The distribution of MEQ scores is likely to be biased by several fact, ors, such as gender, age, genetic background, latitude, and social habits. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of different social synchronizers on the sleep/wake cycle of persons with different chronotypes. Volunteers were selected from a total of 1232 UFPR undergraduate students who completed the MEQ. Thirty-two subjects completed the study, including 8 morning types, 8 evening types and 16 intermediate types. Sleep schedules were recorded by actigraphy for 1 week on two occasions: during the school term and during vacation. Sleep onset and offset times, sleep duration, and mid-sleep time for each chronotype group were compared by the Mann-Whitney U-test separately for school term and vacation. School term and vacation data were compared by the Wilcoxon matched-pair test. Morning types showed earlier sleep times and longer sleep duration compared with evening types (23:00 +/- 44 and 508.9 +/- 50.27 vs 01:08 +/- 61.95 and 456.44 +/- 59.08, for the weekdays during vacation). During vacation, the subjects showed later sleep times, except for the morning types, who did not exhibit differences for sleep onset times. The results support the idea that social schedules have an impact on the expression of circadian rhythmicity but this impact depends on the individual chronotype.

Morningness–eveningness preference and eating disorders

The aim of this work was to attempt to clarify the relationship between eveningness preferences and eating behaviour. In a survey a sample of 270 females (146 recruited in a treatment centre for eating disorders and 124 control) was administered the reduced version of the morningness–eveningness questionnaire (MEQr) and the eating disorder inventory 2 (EDI-2). A significant higher percentage of evening-type in patient versus control group was observed. About 46 patients who participated in the survey were enrolled in a further prospective study. A significant regression of symptomatology as scored by EDI-2 corresponded to a significant increase in MEQr scores (i.e. shift towards morningness). We concluded that altered eating behaviours could modulate circadian preference. The results are discussed in relation to possible applications for clinical treatment.

Comparing three morningness scales: Age and gender effects, structure and cut-off criteria

Objective To add to the validity of the French version of the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) by comparing its structure with that of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the most widely used scale to measure circadian typology. Second, to compare the cut-off criteria used to transform the continuous scores into categorical chronotypes. Third, to further test the effects of age and gender on morningness scores. The rMEQ, a shortened version of the MEQ, is also considered. Methods Four hundred and fifty-six students served as volunteer subjects and filled the CSM and the MEQ. Results There was no effect of gender, and the CSM and MEQ scores correlated above +0.90 in both genders. Regarding age, morningness was stable before age 35 and increased afterwards. We replicated the three-factor structure of the CSM previously reported in five different cultures. The MEQ is longer and counted a fourth factor while the first three factors were quite identical to those extracted from the CSM. This comparative study emphasizes the recurrent problem of cut-off scores: the available values for both instruments result in a very poor concordance of chronotypes. Conclusions Belonging to the evening-type is regarded as a risk factor for sleep disorders and its positive predictive value should be correctly assessed. Hence, normative scores standardized in such a way they reflect the effects of age, gender and culture are needed for the total score and the factor scores. To this extent, T-scores (with a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10) would be suitable, and normative tables for French subjects ( N = 1598) are given as supplemental data.

College Students Who Have an Eveningness Preference Report Lower Self‐Control and Greater Procrastination

Previous research suggests a possible link between eveningness and general difficulties with self‐regulation (e.g., evening types are more likely than other chronotypes to have irregular sleep schedules and social rhythms and use substances). Our study investigated the relationship between eveningness and self‐regulation by using two standardized measures of self‐regulation: the Self‐Control Scale and the Procrastination Scale. We predicted that an eveningness preference would be associated with poorer self‐control and greater procrastination than would an intermediate or morningness preference. Participants were 308 psychology students (mean age=19.92 yrs) at a small Canadian college. Students completed the self‐regulation questionnaires and Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) online. The mean MEQ score was 46.69 (SD=8.20), which is intermediate between morningness and eveningness. MEQ scores ranged from definite morningness to definite eveningness, but the dispersion of scores was skewed toward more eveningness. Pearson and partial correlations (controlling for age) were used to assess the relationship between MEQ score and the Self‐Control Scale (global score and 5 subscale scores) and Procrastination Scale (global score). All correlations were significant. The magnitude of the effects was medium for all measures except one of the Self‐Control subscales, which was small. A multiple regression analysis to predict MEQ score using the Self‐Control Scale (global score), Procrastination Scale, and age as predictors indicated the Self‐Control Scale was a significant predictor (accounting for 20% of the variance). A multiple regression analysis to predict MEQ scores using the five subscales of the Self‐Control Scale and age as predictors showed the subscales for reliability and work ethic were significant predictors (accounting for 33% of the variance). Our study showed a relationship between eveningness and low self‐control, but it did not address whether the relationship is a causal one.

Relationships between headache and sleep in a non-clinical population of children and adolescents

Background: Headache and sleep are related in different ways and alterations of chronobiological mechanisms are involved in headache. We investigated the relationships between headache and sleep quality in a large non-clinical population of children and adolescents and evaluated the relationship between headache and circadian typologies. Methods: A total of 1073 children and adolescents (50.9% males; mean age = 10.56; range = 8−15 years) were recruited from four schools in Rome. They filled out the questionnaires individually in classrooms, after brief group instruction about answer formats. The questionnaires included (a) a self-report headache questionnaire to collect information on different aspects of headache attacks based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-2nd edition (ICHD-2); (b) the School Sleep Habits Survey that incorporated questions about sleep habits, the Sleep–Wake Problems Behaviour Scale (SWPBS), the Sleepiness Scale (SLS) and the Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Results: According to ICHD-2 criteria, we classified 70 (6.5%) children as Migraine Group (MG), 135 (12.7%) as Non-Migraine Headache Group (NMG), and the remaining 868 (80.8%) were classified as Headache-Free Group (HFG). No clear differences have been found between MG and NMG regarding the frequency of the attacks, although MG showed a significantly increased frequency of long-lasting attacks. The modality of onset of pain and the location of pain was similar in both groups. The most frequent triggering factor for headache in MG and NMG was “a bad sleep” (32.2%) followed by emotional distress (27.8%). No differences have been found between MG, NMG and HFG in sleep schedule or sleep duration. MG and NMG showed significantly higher scores on the SWPBS vs. HFG, while MG presented higher scores on the SLS compared to NMG and HFG. MG presented lower MEQ scores, indicating a more pronounced eveningness. Conclusions: The relationships between headache and sleep problems are evident even in a non-clinical population of children and adolescents, with MG showing poorer sleep quality, sleepiness and a tendency toward eveningness.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders following mild traumatic brain injury

To describe the physiologic and behavioral characteristics of circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) following minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in patients complaining of insomnia. Forty two patients with insomnia complaints following mTBI were screened. Those suspected of having CRSD underwent actigraphy, saliva melatonin and oral temperature measurement, and polysomnography. All patients also filled out a self-reported questionnaire to determine their circadian preference. Fifteen of the 42 patients (36%) with complaints of insomnia following mTBI were diagnosed with CRSD. Eight patients displayed a delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), whereas seven displayed an irregular sleep-wake pattern (ISWP). Whereas all patients with DSPS exhibited a 24-hour periodicity of oral temperature rhythm, three of seven patients with ISWP lacked such a daily rhythm. In addition, ISWP patients exhibited smaller amplitude of oral temperature rhythm vs the DSPS group. Subjective Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire scores were in accordance with the clinical diagnosis of DSPS or ISWP based on actigraphy. Minor traumatic brain injury might contribute to the emergence of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Two types of these disorders were observed: delayed sleep phase syndrome and irregular sleep-wake pattern. The types differed in the subjective questionnaire scores and had distinct profiles of melatonin and temperature circadian rhythms.

Circadian variation of mood: comparison between different chronotypes

For the investigation of a circadian pattern in the positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) and a comparison between the chronotypes, 28 medical students (22 ± 2.5 years) answered initially the Morningness – Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and then the PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and two visual analogue scales (VAS) every three hours during wakefulness for two weeks. The words we chose to represent the PA and NA in the VAS were “attentive” and “upset”. Considering the Cosinor method analyses for the PANAS and the VAS results, 85.71% of subjects displayed significant circadian variation of PA (for p < 0.05). For NA, 25% in the PANAS results and only 14.28% in the VAS displayed a circadian pattern. There was a significant correlation between MEQ scores and acrophases of the PA measured with the PANAS (r = −0.61, p < 0.001) and with the VAS “attentive” (r = −0.69, p < 0.001). This data confirmed literature reports that there is a circadian pattern in the PA rhythm, but for NA the absence of a circadian pattern is not so well established. The significant correlation between MEQ scores and acrophases of PA support the idea that the PA variation occurs in a continuum between the two extreme chronotypes. The results also show that the PANAS and the VAS are in agreement and are equally sensitive in detecting a circadian pattern in the positive affects.

Contribution of the photoperiod at birth to the association between season of birth and diurnal preference

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of season of birth and photoperiod at birth on diurnal preference in young adults. Participants were 1591 volunteers aged 17–35 years (69% women). The scores obtained on the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) of Horne and Östberg were first assessed as a function of gender and season of birth by a two-way ANOVA. Results revealed a higher MEQ score (reflecting more morningness) in women than in men, and in individuals born during autumn than in those born during spring. There was no gender-by-season interaction. The MEQ scores of four categories of photoperiod at birth were also compared. Individuals born during short photoperiods of 8–10 h showed stronger morningness than individuals born during photoperiods of 12–14 h. The highest morningness scores were observed in subjects born during 8–10 h photoperiods in the autumn. By contrast, diurnal preference of subjects born during 8–10 h photoperiods in the winter did not differ from diurnal preference of subjects born during longer photoperiods. Our results add support to previous reports showing an association between season of birth and morningness–eveningness, but this association cannot be explained entirely by the length of the photoperiod at birth. We suggest that the association between season of birth and diurnal preference reflects an influence of light intensity and/or variations in photoperiod during early development on the characteristics of the circadian system.

Are seasonality of mood and eveningness closely associated?

It has been suggested that being an “evening type” might enhance susceptibility to non-seasonal and seasonal affective disorders (SAD). In a survey and a prospective study, we examine the relationship between mood seasonality and circadian typology. In the survey study, the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) were administered to 1715 university students from Spain and Italy. In the prospective study, 18 subjects, selected from the Italian sample, self-assessed their mood monthly for over a year. A slight but significant negative correlation between the MEQ score and the Global Seasonality Score was found in the survey study, with a significantly higher incidence of evening versus morning types among the students with seasonal depression. These results were not replicated when the Spanish sample was analysed separately. In the prospective study, evening types did not present a higher annual range of mood variations than morning types. Caution should be exercised in ascribing eveningness as a risk factor in SAD since other underestimated factors, including social–cultural conditions, might be involved in the pathogenesis of mood seasonality.