A new study, carried out by a team of Belgian and Swiss researchers and published in last week’s issue of Science, looked at the underlying cause of what makes one an early bird or a night owl (like me), and what effects this has on day-to-day life. Using the data from fMRI imaging, the cognitive testing, and a measure of the individual’s circadian phase, the researchers found that behavioral differences manifested themselves only in the evening. The optimal alertness of morning people is diminished in the evening hours because there is a more pronounced negative influence due to sleep homeostasis on the areas of the brain known to control our circadian rhythms.

Yeah, another research, another result, this round my lifestyle win. My sister needs to read this.

[ars technica]