In the hustle and bustle of modern life, waking up early can be a challenging feat. However, there's a natural and powerful ally that can make this task a bit easier—morning sunlight. In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind the importance of getting sunlight first thing in the morning and how it can positively impact your wakefulness and overall well-being.
In a world that often glorifies early risers and productivity in the early hours of the day, there exists a group of individuals who dance to the beat of a different circadian rhythm. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is a sleep disorder that disrupts the conventional sleep-wake cycle, challenging the societal norms surrounding sleep. Let's delve into the intricacies of this fascinating condition and explore ways to navigate its challenges.
Our bodies operate on a natural internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates essential functions such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. Keeping this internal clock in sync is crucial for overall health and well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore a series of strategies to help you maintain a healthy body clock and optimize your daily rhythms.
Have you ever noticed that there are certain parts of the day where you are feeling extremely alert, and then there are other parts of the day where you can barely keep your eyes open? This is because of two body systems: sleep/wake homeostasis and your circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm serves as your internal body clock and tells your body when it is night and day. These two systems can control your sleep drive, or your body's need to sleep at any given time. Continue reading to learn more about your sleep drive and how it interacts with your body clock so that way you know how to better manage your sleepiness.
Modern sleep culture encourages going to sleep, and sleeping throughout the night. This is known as monophasic sleep because there is one time to sleep.
Some cultures practice biphasic sleep. This consists of sleeping throughout the night with a daily nap in the afternoon. In those countries, there are two times to sleep.
Polyphasic sleep schedules involve more than two sleeping periods each day. Quick nap breaks could count, with reduced sleeping throughout the night. Babies are examples of populations who follow a polyphasic sleep schedule. They follow this pattern until they are about three months old, and then they learn to sleep throughout the night with about two naps throughout the day. Others who work unusual hours or jobs that require attention at all times but also follow this sleep pattern.
There are some benefits and harms of polyphasic sleeping. Some prefer it, while others do not. Is it right for you? Continue reading to find out.
As we age, our circadian rhythm changes which can impact what time we need to go to sleep. The older we get, the earlier we are supposed to go to bed for an earlier wake time. This is due to many factors including changing eyesight (which can make us less sensitive to changes in light during the day), changing levels of melatonin, and other brain functions or hormone changes.
Research has supported the link between sleeping and health issues, including cardiovascular health disease. A recent study looked at bedtime and risk for myocardial infarction, or heart attack. Continue reading to find out more about this relationship and the relationship between sleep and heart health in general.
Your circadian rhythm is your innate biological clock that helps your body function in patterns and rhythms. It regulates your natural sleep schedule, and is closely tied to both melatonin, the sleep hormone, and changes in light.
Your biological sleep clock exists in a part of your brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which sits right behind the nerves of your eyes – hence why your clock is sensitive to light.
It is crucial for you to understand your circadian rhythm in order to build healthy sleeping habits.
Your circadian rhythm is like the conductor of your body's sleep orchestra. It orchestrates the perfect balance of sleep and wakefulness, with melatonin playing a key role as the sleep hormone. Nestled within the depths of your brain, specifically the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, your biological sleep clock is strategically positioned behind the delicate nerves of your eyes. This prime location allows it to harmonize with the ebb and flow of light, effortlessly regulating melatonin production in response to changes in your external environment.
Thus, circadian rhythm disorders are often in response to your external factors:
Symptoms of circadian rhythm disorders are fairly straightforward: when you want or need to sleep is when you can’t sleep. The result are insomnia symptoms and sleep deprivation.
Your circadian rhythm acts as your internal timekeeper, orchestrating the delicate balance between sleep and wakefulness. Operating behind the scenes in your brain, it controls your natural cycle of rest and alertness, commonly referred to as your sleep-wake cycle.
Understanding your circadian rhythm is crucial in grasping the intricate workings of your body and brain, ultimately impacting the quality of your sleep. Your sleep-wake cycle, from the moment you rise to when you hit the pillow and wake again, is ideally a 24-hour cycle aligned with modern society's rhythm. However, variations exist, with your natural sleep cycle possibly spanning 26 or 22 hours.
Furthermore, your biological clock can be "shifted" earlier or later in the day, giving rise to the terms night owl and lark. It's worth noting that a significant portion, 40-70 percent, of your biological clock is predetermined by genetics. While you can attempt to adjust your clock, completely altering your sleep-wake cycle may prove unrealistic.
Your circadian rhythm is your biological clock. It runs in the background of your brain, managing and regulating your cycle of sleep and wakefulness. It’s also known as your sleep-wake cycle. It’s an important term to understand when trying to understand how and why your body/brain operates the way it does – understanding which can be critical to getting a good night’s rest.
Your sleep-wake cycle dictates when you rise, rest, and rise again. While the ideal circadian rhythm aligns with a 24-hour cycle, not everyone operates on this schedule. Your natural sleep pattern may lean towards 26 hours or even 22 hours, showcasing the unique diversity in how individuals function within the constraints of modern society.
Also, you biological clock may be “shifted” to earlier or later in the day, hence the terms night owl and lark. It’s important to note that research has shown that 40-70% of your biological clock is genetic, meaning that while you may be able to shift your clock, it may be unrealistic to simply adopt a new sleep-wake cycle.