183: Bastian Groiss - Scheduling Your Day Using Circadian Biological Timing
Aug 22, 2023
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Bastian Groiss, co-founder of the Circadian app, discusses optimizing health by aligning daily activities with circadian biology. Topics include the evolutionary relationship between humans and sunlight, the impact of indoor and outdoor light on the body, starting mornings with more energy, the four circadian cues for health, and the importance of embracing discomfort and connecting to nature.
Aligning with natural rhythms, such as light and dark cycles, can improve overall health and well-being by setting the body's biological clock and synchronizing internal clocks with the external environment.
Optimal strategies for light exposure include stepping outside and getting natural light into the eyes and onto the skin upon waking up, aligning with the natural cycles of sunrise and sunset, and gradually incorporating habits that resonate with the individual.
Deep dives
Importance of aligning with natural rhythms
The podcast episode explores the idea that aligning with natural rhythms, such as light and dark cycles, can help improve overall health and well-being. It emphasizes the importance of stepping outside and getting natural light into the eyes and onto the skin upon waking up. This helps set the body's biological clock and synchronize its internal clocks with the external environment. The episode also mentions the significance of movement and food intake as cues for our circadian rhythms. It suggests aligning with the natural cycles of sunrise and sunset, as well as adjusting sleep patterns according to the seasons.
Optimal strategies for light exposure
The podcast episode discusses optimal strategies for light exposure, considering both ideal and realistic scenarios. In an ideal scenario, it suggests waking up before sunrise and spending time outside to receive the full spectrum of natural light. It also mentions the importance of movement, exercise, and aligning meal times with the natural rhythm. However, in a more practical context, it highlights the significance of finding a starting point that resonates with the individual and gradually incorporating additional habits. It suggests wearing blue light-blocking glasses during the day while working indoors, as well as wearing orange/red glasses in the evening to minimize exposure to artificial light and support circadian rhythms.
Creating a better indoor environment
The podcast episode addresses the challenge of creating a better indoor environment, particularly in offices or situations where outdoor exposure is limited. It emphasizes the importance of using blue light-blocking glasses during the day to reduce the intensity of blue light exposure, enhancing the synchronization of circadian rhythms. For nighttime, it recommends wearing blue blockers with orange or red lenses to protect the body from exposure to artificial light that can disrupt sleep and impair circadian rhythms. The episode also mentions the benefits of experiencing discomfort and engaging in activities that support the body's resilience to stress.
Finding harmony and connection with nature
The podcast episode highlights the deeper connection with nature and the profound experiences that can arise from aligning with natural rhythms. It emphasizes slowing down, being present in the environment, and developing a relationship with nature, oneself, and the cycles of life. The episode emphasizes the sense of fullness and satisfaction that can emerge from living in harmony with nature. It also suggests that by embracing discomfort and embracing difficult things, individuals can cultivate resilience and a greater appreciation for the beauty and harmony of the natural world.
What are the best times to wake up, eat, work out, focus, and sleep according to circadian biology? There’s an app for that!
Bastian Groiss is the director & co-founder of Circadian, an app that helps you achieve a more natural state of health by aligning your daily activities and location with circadian biological timing.
Dr. Anthony Gustin chats with Bastian about his ongoing curiosity with circadian biology. They discuss how different sunlight stages impact everything from our energy levels, moods, and mental performance to modern-day diseases and our overall well-being.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The evolutionary relationship humans have with sunlight
Why it’s almost scientifically impossible to be healthy or happy spending 99% of your day indoors
How indoor light (natural vs. artificial) and outdoor light (UVA vs. UVB) affect our bodies
Why phasing out incandescent light bulbs may be a mistake
The circadian biology way to start your mornings with more energy (sans caffeine)
What an “overdose” of blue light may cause
The four circadian cues that optimize our bodies for health and wellness