Why our body clocks are so important!

As soon as we are exposed to the early morning sun, trillions of clocks in every tissue and organ in our bodies are triggered. These “Circadian rhythyms” demonstrate how organisms react and respond to changes in their environment throughout the day. It is important to understand that our survival relies greatly on living in sync with this internal timing system, and very few people do.

Staying up late can make it pretty hard to get out of bed the next morning. This increases the chances of sleeping in, which presents trouble as the body must now adjust to this changed sleep pattern. Sleeping in late just once can have a rippling effect on the body clock and is quite disrupting.

When melatonin, the sleep signalling hormone, is thrown off schedule, even if just from one late night, it will be harder to sleep earlier the next night. If your alarm clock startles you out of your morning dreams, a domino effect happens that can stress your heart (Walker 2018).

Leanne & Fitness Tips Say:

Having a steady sleep schedule helps your sleep mechanisms function optimally. Staying awake too late and losing out on sleep for even one night means your body copes by producing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This means the sleep pressure neuromodulator, adenosine, is not cleared from your body, which leases you feeling tired and sluggish. When feeling this way, you are more likely to look to caffeine and sugary drinks/foods for comfort, which can then inhibit sleep even further. This is a hard cycle to break! Read 13 Tips On How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep! for more.

Waking up at the same time, and in a natural manner, every day with lots of energy is something to strive towards! You are really missing out if you ride the sleep and wakefulness rollercoaster night after night, week after week. Get to bed at a reasonable time every night and your body and mind will thank you for it!