The mindbodygreen Podcast 567: Circadian rhythms, HRV, and light exposure | Kristen Holmes, Ph.D.
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Nov 17, 2024 
Kristen Holmes, Ph.D., a psycho-physiologist and former elite athlete, discusses the pivotal role of circadian rhythms in overall well-being. She explains how light exposure and sleep timing influence heart rate variability and mental health. Holmes shares insights on the importance of routines, especially for women athletes, and the challenges of maintaining them during travel. She also addresses how modern lifestyle habits can misalign with our natural rhythms, affecting recovery and performance. Her expertise sheds light on optimizing health through simple, science-backed changes.
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Kristen's Background
- Dr. Kristen Holmes's journey began as an athlete, intrigued by sports psychology and its impact on performance consistency.
- Her interest evolved to encompass physiology, leading her to explore data-driven insights into recovery and performance optimization.
Influences on Performance
- Physiological influences on performance include circadian rhythms, sleep, recovery, and training.
- Psychological influences center around core needs: purpose, autonomy, self-efficacy, and connection.
Fix Circadian Rhythms First
- Prioritize fixing circadian rhythms before focusing solely on sleep.
- Start by optimizing light exposure: get natural sunlight in the morning and minimize artificial light after sunset.
