Youve probably heard about your circadian rhythm.
But if not, heres a crash course: The circadian rhythm is the bodys internal clock.
It governs all sorts of physiological statesfrom eating to sleepingover the course of a 24-hour period.
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Sound like a complicated task?
The body then stops producing melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep.
If your circadian rhythm is not optimized, your health will never be optimized, says longevity expertDr.
To help you balance your own circadian rhythm, we asked the doctor to share his favorite strategies.
These five simple habits can improve the quality of your sleep andin the long runyour longevity, Shah says.
It can also contribute tovisible signs of aging.
This consistency reinforces your bodys natural rhythm and can improve sleep quality.
In the morning, expose yourself to natural light, Shah says.
This helps reset the circadian clock and promote wakefulness.
Practice calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditation, or a warm bath, says Shah.
These activities tell your body its time to calm down and prepare you for sleep.
That means practicinggood sleep hygieneand avoiding scrolling on TikTok in bedas tempting as it is.
Engaging in daily physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep.
take a stab at move for at least 30 minutes a day, Shah advises.
