How To Reset Your Circadian Rhythm This Spring

mars 03, 2023
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Spring is just around the corner! In many regions, including North America and the United Kingdom this time of year also marks the start of Daylights Savings Time (DST). Springing forward we gain more daylight, but we also lose an hour of sleep. More daylight is great but it can take up to a week to reset circadian rhythms and that’s not a small detail. When you are already struggling with getting enough sleep, losing an hour is a big deal. It helps, however, to plan and be prepared.

Does More Daylight Mean Less Sleep?

This transition can be tough, even for the soundest of sleepers. As winter draws to an end, daylight hours last longer exposing us to more sunlight. Exposure to bright light late in the day can trigger insomnia, while avoiding the sun altogether can also lead to trouble sleeping.

Controlling your exposure to sunlight, and by extension controlling when the production of melatonin in your body takes place, will minimize the risk of sleep disruption. More time spent outside in the sunlight during the day can actually raise your chances of getting a healthy amount of sleep.

If it’s difficult for you to control your light exposure, all is not lost! Zenbev Drink Mix is here to help you naturally prepare for losing that hour by naturally allowing you to fall asleep faster and ensuring you cycle through all the five stages of sleep waking refreshed. During the day, you can turn to Zenbev to help boost your own natural serotonin.

All Natural Energy Boosters

Expanding your days due to more light later in the day might have you reaching for unhealthy solutions like energy drinks. These quick fixes offer short-lived benefits followed by unpleasant side effects when the withdrawal kicks in. Headaches, dry mouth and extreme fatigue should never be the price you pay to stay awake. Energy drinks contain stimulating chemicals like caffeine and taurine that can be hard to control and will interfere with natural sleep.

How To Reset Your Body’s Circadian Rhythm

It’s useful, instead, to learn how to make your body work for you. Here are a few all natural ways for resetting your body clock with the side effect of helping develop healthy habits:

  • Keep a regular schedule. Wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time.
  • Get outside as soon as you can after you wake up. The sunlight exposure will signal to your body that it is time to wake up and cease the production of melatonin. (Pro Tip: Go for a morning walk or jog to increase serotonin production and boost circulation.)
  • Lights out and don’t forget to shut the blinds. As bedtime draws near, trigger the production of melatonin by turning down the lights. Make sure your windows are covered to prevent an early morning sunrise from waking you up too early.
  • Spring cleaning for the body and mind. Carry through the theme of “re-energizing” your life by swapping out fatty comfort foods for light and lean meals to match the season. (Pro Tip: Shopping at your local farmer’s market and produce vendors is a great way to get familiar with what produce is in season. Challenge yourself to eat fresh plant foods in a variety of colours to maximize nutrient intake.)

Enjoy all that the longer days and warmer weather has to offer by being sure to get enough sleep in your nighttime. A little planning will go a long way toward a healthier, safer and more relaxed leap into spring!