Understanding Different Sleep Personalities: A Naturopathic Perspective
Sleep. That thing we all know we need but somehow manage to mess up constantly. Some people fall asleep the second their head hits the pillow, while others spend hours overthinking everything from embarrassing childhood moments to whether bees know they’re called bees. Different sleep personalities sleep, well… differently.
If you’ve ever wondered why your sleep schedule seems to have a personality of its own, you’re not alone. Recognising your sleep personality might just be the key to fixing your nocturnal disasters. And because we’re all about naturopathic approaches, let’s explore what works best for each type.
The Night Owl
Who they are: The ones who mysteriously come alive at 10pm, get their best ideas at 2am, and have a deep, personal vendetta against mornings.
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Naturopathic fixes:
- Light therapy – If your body thinks morning doesn’t exist, you need to remind it. Bright light in the morning can help shift your internal clock.
- Stick to a schedule – Yes, even on weekends. The struggle is real, but consistency is what trains your body to sleep at a reasonable hour.
- Herbs to the rescue – Melatonin can help, but don’t just pop pills without doing your research. Herbal options like valerian root or chamomile might be gentler ways to wind down.
The Early Bird
Who they are: The ones who wake up at dawn ready to conquer the world while the rest of us are still trying to remember how to function. Their different sleep personalities mean they’re usually asleep by 9pm, much to their social circle’s frustration.
Naturopathic fixes:
- Evening relaxation techniques – Meditation, gentle yoga, or even a good book can help keep you awake long enough to have a life past sunset.
- Late-night snacks – A light snack with complex carbs can stop you from waking up at 4am like an overenthusiastic rooster.
The Afternooner
Who they are: People who peak in the afternoon but start the day moving at the speed of a sedated sloth. Mornings are for survival, not productivity.
Naturopathic fixes:
- Morning exercise – No, not an intense gym session. Even a quick walk can wake up your body and stop you from feeling like a zombie before lunch.
- Better breakfasts – Protein and healthy fats in the morning can prevent that sluggish start. Yes, that means ditching the sugary cereal.
The Napper
Who they are: Those who can’t get through the day without a quick snooze. Feels great in the moment, but too many naps can mess up nighttime sleep.
Naturopathic fixes:
- Keep naps short – Power naps of 20–30 minutes work. Anything longer, and you risk waking up confused about what year it is.
- Optimise your sleep environment – If you sleep well at night, you won’t need as many naps. Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and free of anything that beeps.
The Woodcock and The Swift
Yes, apparently there are more categories.
- Woodcocks – The permanently tired ones. No matter how much sleep they get, they’re still running on empty. Could be down to nutritional deficiencies, stress, or an underlying health issue. A naturopath can help figure it out.
- Swifts – The lucky ones who survive on minimal sleep without feeling exhausted. Sounds great, but long-term health still matters. A regular check-up wouldn’t hurt.
Naturopathic Strategies for Better Sleep (No Matter Your Type)
No matter which sleep personality fits you best, these natural strategies can improve sleep quality:
- Herbal remedies – Valerian root, chamomile, and lavender are all known for their sleep-enhancing properties for all Different Sleep Personalities.
- Mindfulness and meditation – Guided imagery, deep breathing, or even a boring audiobook can work wonders.
- Create the right sleep environment – Dark, quiet, cool, and clutter-free. Your phone doesn’t belong in bed with you.
- Move your body – Daily physical activity helps regulate your sleep cycle, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
When to See a Naturopathic Doctor
If you’ve tried everything and still wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, it might be time to call in a professional. Naturopaths can help identify hidden sleep disruptors, from nutritional imbalances to lifestyle factors you might not have considered.
Bonus: Sleep Chronotypes
If you’re really looking to optimise your sleep, understanding your chronotype can be a game-changer. Are you a Lion, waking up at the crack of dawn, full of energy? A Bear, following the sun’s natural rhythms and needing a good eight hours? Maybe you’re a Wolf, a night owl who thrives in the late hours, or a Dolphin, a light sleeper who struggles to get proper rest. Recognising your chronotype can help you align your schedule with your body’s natural rhythm, just because fighting against it is like trying to put a cat in a bath: doomed from the start!
Join Our Community
Embarking on a journey to better sleep is more effective with support. Join our community to connect with others exploring naturopathic solutions for sleep challenges. Share your experiences, gain insights, and access exclusive resources designed to help you achieve restful nights and energised days. Talk to others of varying different sleep personalities.
