Assessment and Understanding of Chronotype
10.14401/KASMED.2019.26.1.5
- Author:
Somin KIM
1
;
Seog Ju KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ksj7126@skku.edu
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Chronotype;
Circadian typology;
Eveningness;
Morningness
- MeSH:
Body Temperature;
Hydrocortisone;
Individuality;
Psychometrics;
Psychopathology
- From:Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
2019;26(1):5-15
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Chronotype (CT) is defined as an inter-individual difference in sleep-wake cycles and daily activities. Previous studies have suggested that this individual difference can influence our biological and psychological functioning. Literature regarding the psychometric properties and validity of CT measures are reviewed. We provide an overview of biological indicators (sleep-wake cycle, body temperature, cortisol, and melatonin) that are used for distinguishing two chronotypes: morningness (MT) and eveningness (ET). We also review the differences between CT in relation to personality traits and the occurrence of psychopathology. In addition, the methodological limitations of studies on CT are discussed. Finally, future research directions in terms of CT are proposed.
