Rightfully so, there is a lot of research showing an increase in car accidents, heart attacks, mental health challenges etc after time changes.
The change throws off our natural rhythm (circadian rhythm) which is an approximate 24 hour cycle. Our circadian rhythm controls our sleep and waking cycle, as well as other bodily functions. It’s controlled by the hypothalamus in our brain and receives direct input from our eyes. Light and darkness are the central drivers of the Circadian Rhythm.
Our circadian rhythms affect many processes such as:
Hormone Release
Digestion
Body Temperature
Sleep
You’ve probably heard of Melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. Melatonin is activated when there is less light. So we want to activate it when we are going to bed.
Our natural circadian rhythms can be altered by things such as the time change, jet lag and our computer screens. Most of us will eventually readjust after these changes.
So some tips:
Getting outside in the morning-the sunlight triggers our brain to stop producing Melatonin.
Limit light before bed- Switch off electronic devices at night. You can use built-in night light settings to reduce the amount of blue light you are exposed to, if you do need to use your phone. You can also invest in blue-light-blocking glasses that help keep your natural body clock regulated.
Exercise: Move your booty, it can be as simple as 10 minute walks
Practice a sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at approximately the same time
Eating a nutrient dense diet-getting the nutrients that our body needs helps all of our bodily processes.
