Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci slept in cycles that were six 20-minute naps every four hours in a 24-hour period? That adds up to only 2 total hours of sleep! It may not be set in stone, but Psychology Today postulates that intelligent people are more likely be night owls. The question remains: do night owls have higher IQs? Does the way you use the night really reflect on your intelligence? Check out these 5 fun facts that just might suggest night owls are smarter than the rest.
Past midnight—The golden hour(s) for human IQ.
Psychology Today reported that intelligent people are likely to be nocturnal beings, with those with a higher IQ going bed later on both weeknights and weekends. Psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa and Study Magazine pinpointed further by saying that individuals in their 20s with a normal IQ tended to go to sleep at around 12:10 a.m., while those with a lower IQ went to bed at 11:41 p.m. Those labeled “very bright” hit the sack at 12:29 a.m.
Smarts or deviance?
Study Magazine psychologist Kanazawa also asserts that those with a higher intelligence may be following a pattern of not going along with the masses, and that it started in ancient times. After all, there wasn’t much to do at night around the firelight except think. If it’s a protest against today’s 9-to-5 schedules, the person with the high IQ is probably extending his or her day – not shortening it. They tend to be at work early and work longer.
Daydreaming after dark.
Daydreaming during the day can be difficult, with plenty of distractions with work, kids, friends and responsibilities of daylight hours. Some studies suggest that those with higher IQs prefer nighttime hours, since the quiet is conducive to a wandering mind (and great ideas).
Hereditary sleep patterns... and hereditary IQ.
Scientists believe that our sleep pattern may be 50% genetic. Since IQ and intelligence may also be hereditary, is it possible that IQ is passed down along with a nocturnal sleep pattern? It’s hard to pinpoint what makes a night owl – intelligence, genes or just plain habit. But it's certainly true that night owls will tell you it’s hard to become morning larks.
The downsides of being a night owl.
Sleeping is a necessary element of good health. The people in Kanazawa’s study tended to be prone to illness, heart failure and depression. According to another psychologist, Marian Giamnietro, they are likely to be less stable, less reliable and more likely to have addiction and eating disorders.
