Some people's internal body clock seems pretty reliable, as they almost always get up at the same time every morning. Others seem to have the ability to determine the time of day they want to wake up and they do it. Children often set their minds to waking early on Christmas or a holiday and it actually happens. This is most likely because their Circadian Rhythm is working as it should. If you find that you are unable to get up at the right time each day, there are three things you can do that may help regulate your system and help you to wake each day at the chosen time that benefits you.
Understanding Circadian Rhythm
Your Circadian Rhythm is your body's internal clock which regulates your ability to be sleepy and to wake up during a 24-hour cycle. Circadian Rhythm most often responds to light and dark, which is why people feel alert and awake when the sun is shining and become sleepy at night. It also ebbs and flows throughout the day and causes drowsiness between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. and again between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
— Cheryl E Preston (@CherylPreston58) March 5, 2018
Circadian Rhythm varies from person to person which explains why some individuals are morning people and others are night owls. This internal body clock also shifts as people age and explains why teenagers can sleep through the night, and older people get by on less shut-eye.
This is especially true of menopausal women who are awake into the wee hours of the night.
Three ways to keep your Circadian Rhythm flowing
If you find you have gotten off schedule and or are unable to sleep through the night as you would desire, these three suggestions should help you regulate your internal body clock and help you get the amount of shut-eye you need.
The first thing you need to do is stick to a regular bedtime. Something as simple as sleeping in on the weekends can throw off your sleep pattern during the rest of the week. Set aside a time that you would like to be in bed each night and do your best to stick to it.
— Cheryl E Preston (@CherylPreston58) March 5, 2018
The second thing you can do is to obtain all the sunlight that is possible during the morning hours.
Go for an early A.M. walk or open your blinds or curtains and let that sunshine in. The third way that you can ensure a good night's sleep is to limit technology in the evening hours. Bright lights can trick your brain into believing that it is daytime and throw off your Circadian Rhythm. By keeping these three suggestions in mind, and following them on a regular basis, you should soon be able to increase the number of hours you sleep each night. This way you may prevent lack of sleep issues such as Dementia and depression.
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