Mind-body Connection with Circadian Rhythm
Posted on September 07, 2022 by Sakshi Singhania, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Finishing your important tasks early in the day results in greater productivity and relaxed minds and bodies throughout.
Circadian rhythms are natural process which happen in the body periodically in 24-hour cycle which regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
The rhythm’s movement is like the sun’s movement. As the sun rises, so also our bodies are active and as the sun sets, the body tends towards rest.
For different countries and parts of the world, the timings of the rhythm can differ a bit owing to the difference in the sun’s rise and set. Taking you approximately through the circadian rhythm, below are some of the circadian timings and functions:
07:30am – Melatonin (sleep hormone) secretion stops
10:00am – Highest alertness
02:30pm – Best co-ordination
03:30pm – Fastest reaction time
05:00pm – Greatest cardio-vascular efficiency and muscle strength
07:00pm – Highest body temperature
09:00pm – Melatonin secretion starts
02:00am – Deepest sleep
04:00am – Lowest body temperature
What purpose does circadian rhythm serve? It is a lighthouse showing our natural cycle following which is beneficial for both our minds and bodies. It’s like going with the flow rather than against it.
Imagine, around 9pm, if you sit with an important work task that needs focus and attention, do you think you’re going to be as productive as in the morning?
My reasons for greater productivity in the morning than evening are – first the levels of melatonin, sleep hormone in the body rises exponentially around 9pm (body’s signal to sleep) and second cortisol, stress hormone levels are higher in the morning which helps us be productive.
Hence finishing your important tasks for the day in the morning results in greater productivity and relaxed minds and bodies for the day. Stresses of life, anxiety, depression can be healed also by lifestyle changes and following the circadian rhythm along with additional modes of healing. That’s the secret!
Likewise, sleeping in the day would not be as enriching as in the night because the sleep cycle is affected by light-dark levels throughout the day and a darker environment facilitates sleeping. Melatonin levels are low during the day and high at night. Someone who sleeps in the daylight isn’t going to feel as fresh which can add to his irritation, sadness which in turn affects sleep.
Want to know more about circadian rhythm and how you can suit your lifestyle for brilliant
potential and happiness? Let’s find out together!
