Dance to your Daily Rhythm
Our body is programmed with a daily cycle. It doesn’t operate the same during different parts of the day. At night, we get tired and want to sleep. In the morning, our body prompts us awake. In the afternoon, often our body slows down.
We may think these are just habits we have formed, but there is biology behind the daily cycle. Our hormone levels fluctuate during the day. The hormone that helps us respond to stress is highest first thing in the morning and slowly declines throughout the day. Not only does it regulate stress, it changes how our body processes our food. This may help explain why breakfast is the most important meal of the day - something our mothers have been saying for generations.
Our body temperature is lowest a few hours before we wake up and highest in the late afternoon. It fluctuates about 1 degree F.
Recently scientists have discovered the actual molecule that regulates our daily cycle. There is a gene we all have that makes our body build a special protein every night. During the day, that protein breaks down. This protein acts like a biological clock. Every organ is working on a schedule. So even though you may not know what time it is, your body does.
It is important to listen to your body’s clock. Consistency helps the body function. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. Also have a short afternoon nap to recharge - but keep it to around 20 minutes. Use light and dark to help signal your body for day and night. Avoid lights late at night. Eating at similar times also helps your body rhythms. A late breakfast and early supper can also give your body time to rest from digestion. Also, it is often best to tackle difficult tasks in the morning when your body is geared up.
