How to Reset Your Circadian Rhythm
written by Mary Van Keuren, published on www.myslumberyard.com
If you’ve ever chatted with someone about your sleeping habits, you may have heard the phrase “circadian rhythms.” It’s one of those scientific terms that shows up in common use occasionally — but may not be well understood. Everyone — every person and animal on the planet, in fact — has a circadian rhythm. So let’s take look and unpack this puzzling phrase to see what it means, and how it impacts your sleep.
What Is Circadian Rhythm?
A circadian rhythm is the internal clock established by your brain. Your brain will make note of when it is exposed to light and when it is exposed to darkness, creating a loose 24-hour clock to go by. The clockwork is quite fragile since, biologically, your brain has only been exposed to two variables to adjust it: sunlight and moonlight. Now, we have phone screens, televisions and even light fixtures that can easily influence our circadian rhythm.