Circadian performance differences between morning and evening ‘types’

Abstract

Two groups of subjects identified as either morning (M) or evening (E) types, determined by a self-assessment questionnaire, were measured for performance efficiency at a simulated production-line inspection task given for 15 sessions at different times of the waking day. Systematic fatigue and practice effects were minimised by a random presentation of these sessions over a series of days. Although there were no significant within- or between-group changes with circadian trends for items erroneously rejected, significant differences were apparent with the number of items correctly rejected. M types' correct rejection levels were significantly better than E types' in the morning, whereas they were worse during the evening. Whilst E types showed a steady improvement throughout the day, M types showed a general decline. A post-lunch dip in performance was quite evident for M types, but not for E types. In addition, the circadian trends in correct rejection levels and body temperature were highly positively correlated for E types, but a significant negative relationship between these parameters was found for M types. These findings are discussed.