The science of deep sleep

The science of deep sleep
The science of deep sleep

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In the best of

In the best of times, stress can interrupt our sleep patterns and cause us to lose hold of the daily habits and rhythms that keep us healthy.

In today’s culture of disruption, it’s important to create daily habits that support our well-being so we can get rejuvenating sleep and allow our minds to remain receptive and open in order to meet the unique challenges of the COVID era.

What is Circadian Rhythm?Our

What is Circadian Rhythm?

Our cells, tissues, and organs rely on internal daily rhythms, or circadian clocks, to keep our bodies running smoothly.

These rhythms synchronize our brain and body functions. The master clock in the brain is the conductor of the orchestra. The other clocks are the ‘players’ under the guidance of the master clock.

In order for our bodies to be in peak health, timing, rhythm, and habit are key.

Winding Down Before SleepAn

Winding Down Before Sleep

An effective way to prepare the body for sleep is to do gentle yoga poses, or some mindful stretching and breathing exercises before bed.

Stress reduction is a strong contributor to improved sleep, and the longer you practice yoga, the more your system starts to reduce its chronic stress levels over the long term.

How Circadian Rhythms Impact

How Circadian Rhythms Impact Our Health

In today’s world, disruptions in circadian rhythms are common.

Sleep disturbances, night-time screen use, or high caffeine intake throw our light exposure out of whack and the natural circadian rhythms of the body are reset.

This causes chronic health problems, cardiovascular diseases, impaired immune function, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, and some forms of cancer.

What to Do When

What to Do When Your Head Hits the Pillow

As you’re about to doze off, it’s easy for thoughts, emotions, worries, plans, projects, and regrets to take over. Focus on what you’re feeling to step out of the habit loop. 

Once you have awareness, you can use curiosity to notice places of tension, which then relax as a result, and this helps you step out of the loop.

How to prevent it?Minimize

How to prevent it?

Minimize the number of night shifts in a row, getting out into the sun once you wake up.

Stay away from alcohol as a sleep aid, which may appear to calm the brain to help fall asleep, but will disrupt your sleep later.

Melatonin can help night-shift workers sleep in the day, but should be taken under a doctor’s supervision.

Where Mindfulness Meets Circadian

Where Mindfulness Meets Circadian Health

Mindfulness can help bring added awareness to our daily behaviors, offering an anchor for healthy circadian routines that can support the natural rhythms of our body’s internal clock.

Throughout your day, mindfulness can support your ability to take a pause. Eventually, the choices you make and rhythms you create will define your days and nights. 

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