Have you ever heard about your circadian rhythm? Well, it’s your circadian rhythm that controls your daily schedule for restful sleep and wakefulness. Here’s what else, this rhythm is tied to your 24-hour body clock, and most living things have one.
Your circadian rhythm is a built-in timer that helps your brain trigger you to wake up, stay energized, and later wind down and get sleepy. Most importantly, you rely on restful sleep to help your body restore and repair, rid toxins, and produce energy that you need for another 24 hours.
Today, more than ever, our sleep IS that Important?
Sleep is so important that proper sleep accounts for nearly one-third of our lives.
Food, water, and sleep are a trifecta of importance for your health. Without enough sleep, you run much more than the risk of falling asleep on the job. It could even cost you your life.
Restful Sleep is Essential for Your Physical Health
Did you know that your body relies on restful sleep to regenerate and rejuvenate? During sleep, your body repairs and regrow cells. Your muscles repair when you are in a state of sleep and rest. In addition, essential hormones are released that help balance mood, trigger digestion, and other functions necessary for proper health.
While you sleep, your body conserves energy and slows down certain functions that operate during the day. This helps you to enjoy longevity and prolongs your stamina and your lifespan.
Sleep Is Important for Your Mental Health
When you sleep, your brain is very active. It sorts out the events of the day and categorizes your mind. While you sleep, your brain increases activity in the areas that regulate your mood. Additionally, the brain relies on adequate and high-quality sleep to keep your mind from overreacting during the day. Here’s what else sleep produces, feel-good hormones that help with tolerance and reasoning. Conversely, too little sleep can trigger mental health issues and make it harder to cope with everyday stressors.
Sleep Is Important for Your Defenses
When you sleep, your body creates proteins that fight infection and inflammation. This can help you stave off germs, viruses, and more. However, failure to get enough high-quality sleep can lead to heart issues, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and more. Adults need a recommended daily amount of at least 7 hours of sleep per night to stave off these conditions.
Eat Right, Drink Plenty of Water, and Get Enough Sleep
Tell me about your daily routine, and I’ll tell you how healthy you feel. Tell me what you eat, and I’ll let you know if it is easy or difficult to maintain your weight. Tell me when you exercise, and I can tell you whether you are building your body’s systems or wearing them down. Tell me when you turn off your television or computer at night, and I’ll tell you how sensitive you are to stress. Tell me when you fall asleep, and I’ll tell you whether you need coffee to power your way through the afternoon or whether you snap at your loved ones at the end of a long day when you want to be patient.
Does that sound like magic?
It’s not. A growing body of science reveals how closely our bodies are linked to the circadian rhythm of light and darkness, right down to the cellular level.
“I want to be like a caterpillar: eat a lot, sleep for a while, wake up beautiful.” – Anonymous
Conclusion
You know that what you eat matters for your health and welfare. Getting enough water is vital for your health too. Sleep ranks right up there with high-quality food and pure, clean water. Your circadian rhythm regulates your sleep/wake cycle and acts as the watchdog for your sleepiness. It prepares you to get the amount and quality of sleep you need every day.
I am Shirley Noah, an internationally known stress expert and entrepreneur. I would love to connect further with you to help you improve your health and well-being. If you are interested in learning more about Self Care, please take a look at my popular eCourse Self-Care the Art of A Happier More Peaceful Sel
Get In Step With Your Body’s Natural Rhythm
