MEQ Test
Give your patients a MEQ or Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to understand more about their circadian rhythm. Click here for a copy and more information.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is an MEQ Test?
The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, or MEQ test, was established by researchers James A. Horne and Olov Östberg in 1976. This questionnaire is pivotal in assessing an individual’s circadian rhythm, which is an individual’s body’s internal timekeeper that dictates the ebbs and flows of one’s sleep-wake cycle.
The MEQ, in particular, is a valuable tool that aids practitioners and individuals in figuring out their distinct chronotypes: “morning lark” or “night owl”. The “morning lark” archetype is characterized by productivity and heightened alertness in the early hours of the day. Meanwhile, the “night owl” archetype is for individuals who experience alertness and peak performance during the evening hours. Do note that there are individuals who may fall between the two extremes.
This comprehensive questionnaire includes a series of inquiries that delve into various aspects of an individual’s sleep preferences and patterns. One can expect to find questions that cover topics like preferred bedtime and wake-up time, alarm clock reliance, level of fatigue or alertness experienced upon waking, appetite in the morning, etc. All of the responses to these questions aid in determining the individual’s innate sleep-wake pattern and their overall chronotype.
One must know the distinguishing characteristics between the MEQ and the assessment tool known as the MEQ-30 or the Revised Mystical Experience Experience Questionnaire. While the MEQ helps individuals understand their sleep preferences and circadian rhythm, the MEQ-30 serves a separate purpose, mostly in the realm of psychedelic and mystical experience research involving hallucinogenic substances.
Downloadable MEQ Test
Access our free MEQ Test to enhance sleep and wake schedules
How does it work?
Step 1. Obtain a template copy
Ensure you have easy access to the MEQ test template for your convenience. You can click the “Download Template” or the “Use Template” button to download a copy. Alternatively, search for the “MEQ Test” in Carepatron’s template library to locate the chart.
Step 2. Answer the test
As soon as you give your client a copy of the MEQ, give them the time and space to complete the questionnaire. Remind them of the instructions so that for the accuracy of results’ sake.
Step 3. Score and interpret
After the client answers the test, assign a point value to their answers. Refer to the last column for the corresponding point value per answer. Then, add up the points you’ve obtained. Typically, those who have a preference for morningness (“morning larks”) have higher points, and those who have eveningness (“night owl”) will have lower points.
For a more comprehensive interpretation of the scores, refer to the “What do the results mean?” section below.
Step 4. Store template securely
You must ensure the filled-out template is securely stored after the consultation, limiting access to relevant parties only. We recommend using Carepatron, a free patient records software that meets global security guidelines to protect all patients’ medical records for digital copies.
MEQ Test example (sample)
You can view, print, or digitally access the PDF file of the completed MEQ test template for insight into how to answer questions and score once finished. Note, however, that the answers in the example template are fictitious.
Would you like a copy for reference or guidance? Then, get access and download a copy by clicking the Download Example PDF button to view the sample below.
Download our MEQ Test example PDF
When would you use this test?
The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) is a versatile tool that plays a pivotal role in evaluating an individual’s circadian rhythm, which dictates their sleep and wake patterns. Its applications span various domains. However, its main focus is the sleep medicine field.
Sleep specialists often employ the test to gain insights into a patient’s sleep patterns, diagnose/manage sleep disorders, and develop interventions to optimize their individual’s sleep-wake cycle. In this context, the MEQ plays the role of helping the referring physician promote better sleep hygiene.
The MEQ is also a valuable resource for individuals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of their sleep-wake preferences and patterns. This is especially helpful for those dealing with sleep-related issues or those whose routines are flexible enough for them to set their sleep and wake times. Once an individual completes the MEQ, they’ll know if they’re under the “morning lark” category, “night owl” category, or even somewhere in between; having this knowledge can potentially improve their productivity and well-being.
One critical aspect to consider when having your patient answer the MEQ is the sleep schedule of your client. The clients who don’t follow conventional sleep patterns are encouraged to answer the questions based on their preferred sleep timing. Furthermore, one must also consider external factors and treatments that may affect one’s circadian rhythm, such as light therapy.
What do the results mean?
Valuable information on the circadian rhythm of an individual, as well as their tendency to choose between morning and evening preferences in terms of alertness and productivity, is obtained from the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ).
The test generates a composite score based on the responses, which indicate the degree to which an individual is inclined to be a “morning lark”, “night owl”, or somewhere in between.
Here’s a list of the MEQ scores interpretations:
Scores of 70 and above
Any score equivalent to or greater than 70 strongly indicates that the individual is a “morning type,” which means they incline to feel most alert and productive during the morning hours. These people tend to wake up early and often have an easier time adjusting to traditional school and work schedules.
Scores between 59 and 69
Any score between 59 and 69 suggests a moderate preference for the morning, wherein they still tend to be more productive and after in the morning compared to the evening.
Scores range of 42 to 58
Any score that falls between this range falls under the “neither type” category or in between, wherein they don’t strongly favor mornings or evenings and have a more flexible approach to daily routines.
Scores between 31 and 41
Any score between 31 and 41 indicates a moderate evening preference and is still classified under ‘evening types” because it’s easier for them to perform tasks and focus during the late hours.
Scores of 30 and Below
Any score equivalent to or lower than 30 are “evening types.” They are most productive and alert in the evenings and may find it challenging to wake up early in the morning.
Why use Carepatron as your MEQ app?
Thanks to Carepatron’s centralized workspace, you can effortlessly oversee electronic patient records and clinical documents, handle the medical billing process, set doctor appointment reminders, and more. This integrated approach makes it easy to simplify tasks related to the MEQ test, enabling you to devote more to patient care.
By enabling you to adapt the tools and workflow according to your particular requirements, Carepatron can enhance efficiency and productivity. It also makes it easier for clients and practitioners to perform different administrative tasks within the app, such as booking services, completing paperwork, conducting telemedicine consultations, and anything else.
Accessibility is a key element in Carepatron’s approach. The Carepatron app is compatible with a wide variety of devices. It includes top-performing medical transcription software that can be used in situations when your hands are full and you have busy schedules. Are you worried about the security of your data? We assure you that the platform will comply with the General Data Protection Regulation, HITRUST, and HIPAA.
Do you believe Carepatron to be a suitable practice management software that meets your needs and expectations with all of these capabilities, tools, or features? If it is, what’s holding you back? Sign up for Carepatron today to get a free account and access.
References
Burgess, H.J., Kikyo, F., Valdespino-Hayden, Z. et al. Do the Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire and Munich ChronoType questionnaire change after morning light treatment?. Sleep Science Practice 2, 12 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41606-018-0031-1
Horne, J. A., & Ӧstberg, O. (1976). Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire [Database record]. APA PsycTests.
Commonly asked questions
Sleep specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurologists are the healthcare practitioners who typically request a MEQ test.
Practitioners who use MEQ tests to understand a patient’s sleep patterns, diagnose these sleep disorders, and develop interventions to optimize their circadian rhythm.
The MEQ test can take at least 10 to 15 minutes to accomplish.
