Barbell Shrugged

[Circadian Biology] The Science of Sunshine, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythm w/ Dr Alexis Cowan, PhD, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #745

May 1, 2024

Dr. Alexis Cowan, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson discuss the science of sunshine, sleep, and circadian rhythm. They delve into topics like the impact of sunlight on cardiovascular health, the benefits of cold exposure, and the effects of light bulbs on circadian rhythms.

01:00:13

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Episode guests

Alexis Cowan

Anders Varner

Doug Larson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Sunlight exposure benefits circadian rhythms and gut health, improving sleep and vitality.

Balanced sun exposure maintains optimal vitamin D levels, contrary to sunlight-cancer correlation beliefs.

Sunlight influences dopamine levels, supporting cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being.

Deep dives

The Impact of Sunlight on Health and Well-being

Sunlight plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being, affecting various aspects such as circadian rhythms, sleep, cardiovascular health, gut health, and overall lifestyle. Exposure to sunlight helps in increasing energy levels, improving sleep, and supporting overall vitality. The scientific understanding of the benefits of sunlight, including the role of UVB light and red and infrared light, highlights the importance of integrating sun exposure into daily routines.

Introduction

3min

Modern Lifestyles and Sunlight Exposure

6min

Evolutionary Perspective on Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

3min

The Sun's Influence on Health and Well-being

29min

The Power of Cold Exposure and Grounding for Health

9min

Embracing the Sun for Health and Happiness

6min

Effects of Light Bulbs on Circadian Rhythms and Melatonin Production

4min

Dr. Alexis Cowan received her PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University, specializing in the metabolic effects of nutritional and exercise interventions. She is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania studying microbiome-diet interactions in both health and disease (i.e., cancer).

Alexis is passionate about health and wellness at a visceral level. Her healing journey led her to overcome childhood obesity--losing over 100lbs during high school--an eating disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Her health challenges and successes have given her invaluable wisdom into what true healing looks and feels like, and have empowered her to effectively support others on their health journeys. Alexis has deep recognition for and appreciation of the interplay between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of being, and how harmonization across these levels is absolutely essential to achieving health in a holistic sense.

She is passionate about spearheading a new paradigm of N=1 personalized medicine into the mainstream, elevating and empowering individuals from all walks of life to find and fuel their vitality so that they may embrace their soul's higher purpose here on the planet.

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