Iltavirkkuja

Iltavirkkuja is a Finnish term that translates to "night owl" or "late riser." It describes a person who tends to stay up late and wake up later in the morning. This chronotype is characterized by a preference for evening or nighttime activities and a corresponding difficulty with early morning routines. The term is commonly used in everyday conversation in Finland to describe individuals whose natural sleep-wake cycle leans towards the latter part of the day and night.

The concept of being an iltavirkkuja is related to individual differences in circadian rhythms, the body's internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. While some individuals are naturally morning larks, others, like the iltavirkkuja, have a delayed sleep phase. This can influence their energy levels, cognitive performance, and social schedules, as many societal structures are often geared towards early risers. While not a disorder, being an iltavirkkuja can sometimes present challenges in environments that require strict adherence to early start times.