Chronotype: a review of the advances, limits and applicability of the main instruments used in the literature to assess human phenotype

Abstract

The study of circadian typology differences has increased in the last few years. As a result, new instruments have been developed to estimate the individual circadian phase of temporal human behavior, also referred as chronotype. The current review was conducted to evaluate the differences among the questionnaires most frequently used to assess chronotype: the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ). Each instrument evaluates a different aspect of chronotype. MEQ is considered to evaluate the phase preferences of individual behavior over a 24-hour day, while MCTQ measures the phase of sleep positions for both free and work days. CSM is similar to MEQ, but is more sensitive to measure shift work. The concept of chronotype has been used to refer to phase positions or phase preferences in the literature reviewed. Most of the time this is a consequence of different interpretations: it is not clear whether phase preferences are a direct manifestation of the individual's internal clock or a result of external cues, e.g., social interaction (including the alarm clock). Also, phase preferences are not uniform throughout life. Therefore, a single assessment, not taking age into consideration, will not accurately describe the sample. We suggest that MCTQ is the best instrument for investigators dealing with desynchronization and as an instrument for sleep phase. Conversely, if the goal is to assess characteristics that change under specific situations - chronotype -, the MEQ should be used.

Distribution and heritability of diurnal preference (chronotype) in a rural Brazilian family-based cohort, the Baependi study

“…The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) designed by Horne and Ö stberg 15 is by far the most frequently employed chronotype instrument 16,17 . In the current study, the MEQ was administered to participants in a family-based cohort study based in Baependi, a small rural town (population: 18,307 18 ) in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil (21.95u S, 44.88u W).…”

Heat tolerance after total and partial acute sleep deprivation

“…Humans are divided into three groups of chronotypes: evening, morning and intermediate. These chronotypes differ in biological timing processes, hormone levels regulation, body temperature, cognitive performance, eating habits and sleep patterns (Levandovski et al, 2013). Morning chronotypes (called ''larks'') are early risers who demonstrate optimal function earlier in the day, while evening chronotypes (called ''owls'') exhibit optimal function later in the day or even at night (Jonason et al, 2013).…”

“…The participants filled out the questionnaire during the fifth visit, and at the end of the study. Chronotypes were determined using the MEQ scores combined with the actigraph records (Levandovski et al, 2013).…”

“…Sleep quality and quantity were evaluated using two methods: (1) Sleep diaries (Levandovski et al, 2013), which contain morning and evening parts for each day. Between visits 1 and 5, the participants filled out the sleep diaries each morning immediately after waking up and each evening before bed time (Carney et al, 2012).…”

Leveraging Biometric Data to Boost Software Developer Productivity

“…In psychology, some studies distinguish, for example, between morning and evening people [98]. Measures that allow us to capture the cognitive and emotional states of each individual, will allow us to provide more tailored and valuable support.…”