Syncing Your Internal Clock with the Time Change
Daylight savings time has officially concluded, and while some of us may be enjoying an extra hour of sleep in the morning, the shift in our schedules may affect our health more than we think. The body’s organs are each genetically programmed to optimally function on their own “internal clock”, or circadian rhythm. When these rhythms shift, as they do with time change, your body notices the difference.
Choosing to sleep, eat, or exercise at irregular times disrupts your circadian rhythm. Short-term disruptions can trigger symptoms such as insomnia, indigestion, muscle aches, depressed immunity and increased blood glucose. While these symptoms may feel manageable in the moment, prolonged erratic lifestyles can lead to chronic health problems such as Type II diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disease and mood disorders.
The general rule is for each hour of time change, it takes one day to adjust. Here’s how you can ensure your body falls back into routine following the time change:
· Seek out sun in the morning and limit light before bed
· Move your morning workout outdoors
· Avoid caffeine and eating late at night
· Journal before bed
- Keely
