Circadian Rhythms Baby!
So it’s what, early April? You’ve had nearly 3 weeks to recover from daylight saving time, as dreaded as that day in spring is. I mean, if you’re going to lose an hour of sleep, shouldn’t it at least be doing something fun? It’s only an hour though, right? Big whoop. But I’m seriously still amazed at how much I suffer the days following the dreaded clock change. Going to bed earlier doesn’t help, because I’m not tired. It can easily take me a full week to settle in. I’m not totally a hater though… I do like waking up when it’s actually light out, and the extra hour of light at the end of the days helps pull me out of winters bleakness. But why are we all so affected by this time change? Circadian rhythms my friend, circadian rythyms.
Circadian Rhythms are complicated and research is still uncovering all kinds of stuff that this “internal clock” controls. All living things, plants, animals, fungi, our cells even, have their own rhythms. Circadian Rhythms tell us when to wake, when to sleep, when to eat, and they tell our bodies cells and hormones when to start working.
Without getting too nerdy, or too boring, I’ll say this: You’re body, in a way, has a mind of it’s own. It knows better than you do, when you need to be doing certain things. It would behoove you to learn to listen to it. Things like traveling can have a huge impact on these natural body rhythms which can last for days.
Below is a diagram of a typical daily human body clock. Being tuned into this clock is a good thing, as Martha would say.
Straying far from the times on this chart can be super disruptive to our physical, and mental health. For example; when deep sleep (2:00am) is dirupted for extended periods, or avoided altogether (party animals, and night owls, I’m talking to you), your immune system takes a hit. Deep sleep is resorative for our immune systems, and messing with this time period is kinda not a good idea. Sure, people can adapt, but in the long term, they may suffer. A study published last year linked prolonged cicadian disregulation with heart and kidney disease. And this makes sense. When we’re working against our bodies natrual clocks, we are putting undue stress on our bodies.
Since I pretty much talk about food all the time, I’d be remiss if i left that out here. Our bodies digestive system is most active between late morning and mid-afternoon. Our largest meals shoud be consumed during this time, taking advantage of this jump in activity. Eating after 8pm can not only interfere with our ability to sleep, but can also pack on extra pounds, as our bodies are busy getting ready to wind down for the night, and are no longer focused on consumption and digestion. Eating small meals in the evening can help you transition into a more peaceful, restful sleep and can be a simple, easy and effective way to work on losing a little weight.
Journaling is a great way to get in touch with your own body clock. If you’re interested, or intimidated by this process, or are skeptical if it’s effects, you’re not alone. But a little guidance through the maze of information about body clocks, diet, lifestyle, daily stresses… etc., can do wonders. Small changes here can make a HUGE difference in your overall health and wellness! If you’re curious, get in touch and we’ll discuss the ways in which you may be working against yourself, and things you can do to get you back in the groove.
