Balance Your Internal Clocks

All life on earth responds to the sunrise and the sunset. Your body's organs operate based on where you are in the 24 hour sun cycle. Traditional auyervedic and chinese medicine recognizes this, and addressing health issues is based on known body clock cycles. This cycle is known as your circadian rhythm. Keeping your circadian rhythm balanced is critical to your wellness. If fact, there is a new science called "circadian medicine", that is being studied. Here's what you need to know about how to balance your internal clocks.

Your Brain

Your brain releases chemicals that control your organs based on the time in the day and night cycle. When your brain senses that it is late in the day, it begins releasing melatonin, which makes you sleepy. This is why getting a good night sleep and making sure you don't use electronic devices before going to sleep is so important.

Consistent Sleep Wake Cycle

It may be tempting to sleep in on the weekends, but this can disrupt you circadian rhythm. The more you can be consistent with your sleep wake cycle, the better your brain can signal the organs to perform their needed tasks. For example, your liver supports detoxification at night. If your liver doesn't get the signal that it's time to detoxify, you may notice an increase in inflammation in your body.

Stay Active

Staying active during the day can help you use up your body's available energy, making it easier for you to relax in the evening. Avoid naps during the day because they can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night. If you feel a drop in your energy, get up and move around. Getting more oxygen in your body can also help you increase your energy.

Morning Light

Getting some light in your eyes when you wake up, helps send a signal to your body that it is time to reduce melatonin. It also helps inform your body that it is a new day. Generally, your energy will be highest in the morning after a good nights rest. If this is true for you, it may be the best time for you to do some physical labor or exercise.

Reset

Avoid late day large meals and caffeine. This can send a message to your body that it's time to create more energy and can cause a restless night sleep. Generally, your digestion is strongest mid-day and you can use the energy from your meal to complete your day. If you can do this, your body systems will be better able to reset when you sleep. It can also help you maintain a healthy body weight because you'll use the food for energy, instead of storing it as fat.

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