The Science Behind My Calendy
Our approach is built on decades of cognitive science research about how your brain naturally functions throughout the day.
Cognitive Performance Fluctuations
Your brain doesn't maintain a constant level of performance throughout the day. Different cognitive abilities peak at different times based on your body's natural circadian rhythms and energy fluctuations.
Key Research Findings
Task-Time Alignment
Studies show that matching task types to your optimal cognitive windows can increase productivity by 30-40% compared to random scheduling.
Chronotypes
People have natural variations in circadian rhythms (chronotypes) that affect when they perform best. Morning-types (larks), evening-types (owls), and in-between types experience peak performance at different times.
Cognitive Specialization
Different brain networks optimize for different types of thinking (analytical, creative, strategic) at various times throughout the day based on hormone levels, neural activity patterns, and energy availability.
Cognitive Performance Throughout the Day
Analytical
Creative
Strategic
Technical
Understanding Your Chronotype
Morning Types (Larks)
- Wake up naturally early (5-7 AM)
- Peak analytical performance in morning hours
- Energy and alertness decline in late afternoon
- Best for analytical, detail-oriented work in mornings
Evening Types (Owls)
- Naturally wake later, stay alert until late evening
- Cognitive performance increases throughout the day
- Peak creative performance in evening hours
- Best for creative, big-picture thinking in evenings
Beyond Chronotypes: Other Factors
While chronotype is a major factor in cognitive performance, several other variables also influence your daily cognitive rhythm:
Sleep Quality
Research shows that even minor sleep deprivation can reduce cognitive performance by 20-30%. Quality sleep enhances all cognitive abilities, especially executive functions.
Nutrition
Blood glucose levels significantly impact cognitive function. Stable energy from proper nutrition improves sustained attention and decision-making quality.
Ultradian Rhythms
Your brain naturally cycles through approximately 90-120 minute periods of high alertness followed by fatigue, affecting your moment-to-moment cognitive capacity.
Task Type
Different cognitive tasks engage different neural networks. Creative tasks activate different brain regions than analytical ones, each with optimal performance times.
Cognitive Task Classification
My Calendy uses a scientifically-informed system to classify different types of tasks based on the primary cognitive abilities they require. This allows us to match tasks to your optimal cognitive windows.
Analytical Tasks
Tasks requiring logical reasoning, critical thinking, and detail-oriented problem-solving.
Examples:
- • Data analysis and financial modeling
- • Debugging code or technical troubleshooting
- • Research requiring critical evaluation
- • Complex calculations and decision-making
Creative Tasks
Tasks requiring innovative thinking, imagination, and generating new ideas or connections.
Examples:
- • Brainstorming sessions and ideation
- • Content creation and writing
- • Visual design and artistic work
- • Creative problem-solving sessions
Strategic Tasks
Tasks requiring big-picture thinking, planning, and synthesizing information across domains.
Examples:
- • Long-term planning and goal setting
- • Strategic decision-making and prioritization
- • Project planning and resource allocation
- • Competitive analysis and market assessment
Technical Tasks
Tasks requiring procedural knowledge, skill execution, and focused implementation.
Examples:
- • Coding and technical implementation
- • Creating technical documentation
- • Technical design and architecture
- • Technical reviews and audits
My Calendy Analyzes Your Tasks Automatically
When you input a project or task, My Calendy uses natural language processing to determine which cognitive category it best fits into, then schedules it during your optimal window for that type of work.
See How It WorksScientific Research
My Calendy's approach is based on peer-reviewed scientific research in chronobiology, cognitive psychology, and productivity studies. Here are some of the key publications that inform our methodology:
Time of day effects on problem solving: When the non-optimal is optimal
Synchrony and Asynchrony: The Individual and Social Chronobiology of Work
Time of day effects on cognitive performance
The human circadian timing system and sleep-wake regulation
Matching tasks to brain states: A theoretical framework for human performance in space
Experience the science of cognitive optimization in your own schedule