You may have heard the phrase “the night is darkest just before the dawn,” but what if I told you that night itself could be the perfect breeding ground for some of humanity’s most troubling psychological traits?
Imagine for a moment that the people who prefer the stillness of the night, the ones who thrive when the world is asleep, may also possess traits that make them more manipulative, more narcissistic, and, perhaps most chilling of all, more psychopathic.
A new theory suggests this connection might not be mere coincidence—it’s an evolutionary adaptation.
And yes, it’s a theory that could change the way we think about those late-night workers, creatives, and—let’s be honest—party-goers who seem to flourish in the darkness.
So, could it be that night owls are, in fact, more likely to exhibit a trifecta of dark personality traits?
The answer, according to new research from Peter Jonason of the University of Western Sydney, is a resounding yes.
These traits—referred to as the Dark Triad—comprise psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, and could have evolved because the cover of night provided the perfect environment for those engaging in high-risk behaviors.
It’s a theory that is as fascinating as it is unsettling.
The Dark Triad: A Closer Look at the Traits
Before diving into the theory itself, let’s take a moment to break down the Dark Triad and what each trait represents.
These are not your run-of-the-mill personality flaws; they are considered to be some of the most manipulative and dangerous traits a person can possess.
- Psychopathy: Individuals with high levels of psychopathy are characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsiveness, and superficial charm. They can often manipulate others without remorse and are known for risk-taking behaviors.
- Narcissism: Narcissists have an inflated sense of their own importance and an obsessive need for admiration. They may lack empathy for others and use people to further their own goals.
- Machiavellianism: This trait involves a high level of manipulation and a ruthless focus on self-interest. People with this trait are strategic, often deceitful, and have no qualms about betraying others to get what they want.
While these traits are typically seen as negative, they actually have some evolutionary advantages—at least in certain contexts.
And that’s where the link to night owls comes in.
Could Night Owls Be Predisposed to Dark Personality Traits?
So what do night owls have to do with the Dark Triad?
As it turns out, the very traits that define night owls—extroversion, impulsivity, and risk-taking—align remarkably well with the attributes of the Dark Triad.
It’s not just about the time of day these individuals prefer to be active, but rather the behaviors they exhibit that seem to complement the darker aspects of human nature.
Jonason and his colleagues argue that there may be an evolutionary reason why night owls seem more prone to the Dark Triad.
Their research suggests that darker personality traits evolved because they offered a distinct survival and reproductive advantage, especially in the context of social competition and mating.
As the sun sets, the world quiets down, and the cover of darkness allows people to engage in activities—like casual sex, deception, and criminal behavior—that they might not risk during the day when there’s more social scrutiny.
For those with high levels of psychopathy, narcissism, or Machiavellianism, the night presents an opportunity to act on their impulses without the threat of being caught.
In fact, nighttime might be the perfect setting for psychopathy to flourish.
Think about it: it’s easier to cheat, steal, or manipulate in the cover of darkness when fewer people are watching.
What’s more, this behavior isn’t just about avoiding detection—nighttime may even make these activities more exciting.
It provides an environment where people are more likely to take risks, which is precisely the kind of behavior associated with the Dark Triad.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Night Owls Aren’t Just “Lazy”
We’ve all heard the stereotype that night owls are lazy or unproductive—after all, don’t early risers seem to have it all together, right?
But what if that’s a myth?
While early risers are often associated with traits like leadership and social responsibility, night owls may have qualities that are far less visible but equally impactful.
These individuals may not be the ones setting the alarm clock for sunrise, but they often have distinct advantages that make them better suited for specific challenges.
In fact, night owls are often more extroverted, more creative, and more charming, traits that can help them navigate social and professional landscapes—sometimes with a little more manipulation than we’d like to admit.
But it’s not all about being a social butterfly.
Researchers have also found that night owls tend to be less agreeable, which can be a big advantage in competitive environments.
They are less likely to back down when confronted with challenges, and they may be more likely to take risks that others shy away from—traits that are particularly common among people high on the Dark Triad.
So, while early risers are viewed as diligent and conscientious, night owls may be the ones quietly plotting their next move, whether it’s in business, romance, or even deception.
Testing the Theory: Does the Data Back It Up?
To test this intriguing theory, Jonason and his team conducted a study involving 263 participants.
The volunteers were given three surveys designed to assess their levels of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism.
The surveys included questions like:
- “I have a natural talent for influencing people” (a sign of narcissism)
- “I enjoy driving at high speeds” or “I think I could beat a lie detector test” (a sign of psychopathy)
- “It is hard to get ahead without cutting corners here and there” (a sign of Machiavellianism)
Participants were also asked about their sleeping habits.
As expected, the night owls scored consistently higher on measures of all three Dark Triad traits compared to their early-to-bed counterparts.
While this finding is compelling, it’s important to acknowledge a limitation in the study: the majority of participants were college students, who tend to stay up late due to the demands of their academic and social schedules.
This raises the question: are these traits truly linked to chronotypes, or is it simply a reflection of the college lifestyle?
What Does This Mean for the Future of Personality Research?
Although the study has its limitations, the idea that personality traits might be linked to the time of day we are most active opens up new avenues for research.
It’s no longer just about whether you’re a night owl or an early bird—it’s about understanding how these patterns intersect with deeper psychological traits.
Could our sleep patterns actually reveal something about our motivations, our drive for power, and our willingness to bend or break the rules?
For instance, the idea that nighttime may offer an evolutionary advantage for those with darker traits suggests that certain behaviors, like manipulation or risk-taking, could have been adaptive in specific contexts, such as hunting or mating.
This could help explain why these traits persist in the population today, even though they’re often considered negative.
The Dark Side of Evolution: Understanding Human Nature
While the connection between night owls and the Dark Triad is still being explored, it highlights an uncomfortable truth: human behavior is far more complex than we often realize.
Our preferences, from the times we choose to sleep to the way we interact with others, might not be as random as they seem. Instead, they could be deeply rooted in our evolutionary history—a history that favored survival, reproduction, and social competition.
So, the next time you find yourself working late into the night or interacting with someone who thrives after dark, you might want to consider the possibility that there’s more to their behavior than meets the eye.
They might not just be night owls—they might be carrying the legacy of human nature’s more cunning, manipulative, and sometimes, dangerous, traits.
The Bottom Line: Night Owls May Hold Secrets to Our Evolutionary Past
In the end, it’s not just about the hours you keep; it’s about understanding the deeper forces at play that shape your personality.
The traits that define the Dark Triad may not be universally negative—they may just be the evolutionary tools some individuals used to survive and thrive in an uncertain world.
And while being a night owl doesn’t guarantee you’ll exhibit these traits, the research offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the connection between our sleep patterns, personalities, and even our ancestors’ survival strategies.
So, which side of the bed do you wake up on?
