Fix poor sleep with a circadian reset
Manage episode 421648859 series 3575267
Do you ever feel like you're constantly dragging yourself through the day, desperate for bedtime, only to find yourself wide awake when your head hits the pillow?
Or maybe you doze off easily but wake up around 2 or 3am and can't get back to sleep.
If this sounds all too familiar to you, the culprit could be a disrupted circadian rhythm.
What is your circadian rhythm?
Think of it as your body's internal clock, a 24-hour cycle that regulates everything from sleep and wakefulness to hormone production and digestion. When this rhythm gets thrown off whack, it throws a wrench into all those vital processes.
So what are the main causes of this circadian rhythm dysregulation?
Blue Light Overload: Our devices are major offenders, emitting blue light that mimics daylight and suppresses melatonin production.
Shift Work and Travel: If your work schedule constantly flips your sleep-wake cycle, or you're a frequent flyer battling jet lag, your circadian rhythm takes a hit.
Unnatural Light at Night: Evenings spent watching brightly lit screens or working under harsh fluorescent lights can disrupt melatonin production.
Inconsistent Sleep Schedules: Going to bed and waking up at random times throughout the week throws your circadian rhythm into disarray.
Lack of Sunlight Exposure: Sunlight acts as the master cue for our circadian rhythm. Not getting enough sunlight during the day, especially in the morning, disrupts the natural cycle and makes it harder to feel sleepy at night.
The good news is, there's a simple and free way to start realigning your internal clock: sunlight!
Sunlight is the master cue for your circadian rhythm. Aim to get some sun exposure, especially in the morning and evening, around sunrise and sunset. Even ten minutes a day can make a difference.
So ditch the snooze button and embrace the sunrise! Your body will thank you for it.
LINKS:
Website: vesnahrsto.com
Master Cortisol Webinar: https://peak-revival.captivate.fm/cortisol-webinar
18 episodes