5 Signs You Might Have a “Wolf” Chronotype Schedule — and What That Means for Your Sleep

A girl asleep in bed with a wolf above her to represent the wolf chronotype.

Are you a night owl? You may be a wolf chronotype. Find out more about your sleep and activity patterns in this post!  


You’re most likely a wolf chronotype if you answer "yes" to most of these questions:  


  • Do you hate to go to bed before midnight because you feel like you’re missing out on big fun?

  • Are you a creative, out-of-the-box thinker?

  • Do your friends describe you as a bit moody, but loyal to a fault?

  • Are you an introverted risk-taker who’s motivated by life’s pleasures?

  • Do you view 9:00 as an evening-only hour?  


Your body’s natural patterns of sleep and activity are most like the wolf's. (As opposed to the erratic hybrid chronotype schedule.)


You’re among the 15 to 20% of the population sometimes referred to as having the night owl chronotype. Celebrities who share this chronotype include Elon Musk, Jay Leno and Rachel Ray. And the creator of the 4 animal chronotypes, America’s sleep doctor Michael Breus.  


This article will explain to you what having a wolf chronotype means. And how to use your natural sleep schedule to your advantage. Following it will help you sleep better and be more productive.  


Here's what this article lays out for you:  


A Day in the Life of a Wolf Chronotype

Actual wolves are nocturnal, which means they do their hunting and foraging at night. They sleep much of the daytime unlike those with a bear chronotype schedule. Bears are up with the sun though they’re groggy at first. And they can sleep when it goes down.


These restless spirits spend over one-third of their time on the move. They patrol 20 to 30 miles of their territory every 24 hours.  


Their hunts are only successful around 10% of the time. But wolves are clever predators, taking in all sorts of cues to adapt their strategy.


They’re not afraid to try new techniques if there’s a fair chance of success.  


They’re comfortable within the social structure of their family pack. But wolves aren’t fond of strangers.  They’re most active at dusk, and catch a second wind at dawn.  


Now let’s examine how that translates to your life.

How to Work With Your Wolf Chronotype Schedule for Optimal Energy

A wolf’s head in the center of a clock representing the wolf chronotype schedule.

It ain’t easy being a nocturnal human living in a diurnal world.  


Freelancing creatives often belong to the wolf chronotype. Writers, artists, musicians, stand-up comedians, coders, and the list goes on.  


If you’re one of them, go with your instincts and capitalize on the quiet nighttime hours. Don't force yourself to live the schedule of the daytime people.  


We get it, though. It's not always possible due to social obligations. Your ideal sleep schedule is 5:00 a.m. until noon. But you may need to adjust it to fit in with 80% of the world who are into crazy things like sunrises and breakfast.  


To save yourself morning angst, prepare as much as you can when you're at your peak. And this means the evening before.  


Casper says if you want to start your day with enough energy, go ahead and hit snooze(1). That is if your schedule lets you.  


Here's what to do to kickstart your brain into daytime mode. Get as many morning rays as you can as soon as you get up. Then start your day with routine tasks.    


Early afternoon is when you hit your stride. It’s when you're energy is at its peak. Perfect for problem-solving, strategic planning and major projects.  


Your energy will start to wane in the late afternoon. So, take a 30-minute nap to give you fuel for late-night activities. Any longer and you may end up sleeping even later.

Bonus Tips for Wolf Chronotypes:

Here are more ways to take advantage of your wolf chronotype schedule:  


  • Combat late afternoon restlessness with an evening workout routine.

  • Hands off your gadgets as early as you can. They'll stimulate your mind. Otherwise, you'll have an even harder time winding down in the evening.  

  • The best times for sex are 10 a.m. or 10:30 p.m.  


Don’t fight your body's natural inclinations. Instead, work with them to get great sleep and maximize your energy.

What sleep mask is best for the wolf chronotype schedule?

Two men wearing blue mesh sleep masks from Manta Sleep.

So, you’re a wolf. And you already know that you sleep best when you do it later than most. This means that exposure to light is going to eat into your natural snooze schedule.  


You’re at your most productive in the evening. And let’s face it. You need light work or play.  


Unfortunately, exposure to light at night is going to make it harder to fall and stay asleep. If your bedroom gets super bright in the morning, deep and restful shuteye is nothing more than a dream.  


What you need is the best sleep mask for the wolf chronotype schedule. Why not give Manta Sleep Mask PRO a shot?

A blue sleep mask with a mesh head strap and eye cups.
SHOP MANTA SLEEP MASK PRO

We’re serious when we say this is the most advanced sleep mask on the planet. It’s ideal for the wolf chronotype schedule because it blocks out 100% of light. Daylight included.  


We designed it for side sleepers but it works well with any sleep position.  


Unless it has a temperature control system, your bedroom heats up during the day. That’s why Manta Sleep Mask PRO is breathable to keep you cool and comfortable.

Three layers of a sleep mask head strap: mesh, perforated foam, and Tactel.


Mesh and perforated foam layers make up the layered head strap. We use Tactel® for the interior, a fabric that’s twice as soft, thrice as durable and 8 times faster-drying than most.  


(FYI, we make the eye cups with cooling perforated foam, too.)

Wolves who sleep on their sides will find that the average sleep mask is bulky. Not to mention allows light to leak in. Here’s how Manta PRO really stands out.

A black and red C-shaped eye cup of a sleep mask.


The C-shaped eye cups flatten near your temples for comfortable side sleeping. Each cup has a smart air bubble, which expands when you shift sides, then compresses to keep light out. They’re also adjustable. Position them anywhere within the mask’s interior for a custom fit.

And finally, when it comes to head measurements, there is no sleep mask that is one size fits all. Unless it has an infinitely adjustable head strap like Manta Sleep Mask PRO.

A girl wearing a blue sleep mask with a close-up of anti-slip gel on the tip.


Manta PRO’s head strap secures around your head with a micro hook and loop closure. It also has grippy gel so your mask stays put.  


Oh, and it sits right above the ears, too. (In case your wolf ears can’t deal with anything pressing on them.).

Here's hoping this blog post helps you make the most out of your wolf chronotype to live your best life yet. Still aren't convinced you're a wolf? Head over to our comprehensive article on chronotypes and take the quiz.


Source:

(1) "How to Find Your Chronotype to Boost Productivity." Casper, http://casper.com/blog/chronotype/. 17 March  2023


Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.