Academic performance and chronotype: differences between theoretical and practical exams

Circadian rhythms differ among individuals, defining three chronotypes: Morning- [MT], Evening- [ET], and Neither- [NT] types. MT achieve their best during the first part of the day, and are generally more diligent and goal-oriented, conversely ET are more active during evening hours, and it is reported to have a higher intelligence level. During the university years, Italian students have to respect lecture and exam schedules, usually not compliant to ET circadian preferences. This fact could compromise ET academic performance with respect to MT that are more aligned with the university schedules. In this context, we must also consider that NT students performance has so far received little attention. Aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time on Italian students the effect of chronotype on academic performance. 423 university students attending the Motor Science School in Milan compiled the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were recruited, and categorized as MT, NT and ET. For all the students, the grades referring to six disciplines were recollected. We considered separately theoretical (Anatomy, Physiology and Sport Medicine) and practical subjects (Swimming, Volleyball and Athletics) to assess a theoretical mean grade and a practical mean grade. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the interaction between MEQ score and mean theoretical and practical grades. Results showed better achievements for MT compared to ET and NT, both for theoretical (p<0.04; p<0.0002) and practical exams (p<0.0006; p<0.003). In particular, for theoretical disciplines NT got the lowest mean votes compared to MT and ET students, while in practical exams ET got the worst performance. The effect of misalignment between circadian preferences and university schedule seem to be more evident for practical exams; probably, in theoretical disciplines the higher intelligence level expressed by ET students allowed them in partially recovering this disadvantage.