The mindbodygreen Podcast 571: The future of circadian science | Science journalist Lynne Peeples
Dec 15, 2024
Lynne Peeples, a Seattle-based journalist and author of "The Inner Clock," dives into the fascinating world of circadian rhythms. She explains how nearly every cell in our body has a clock and the vital role of natural light in regulating our health. Strategies for shift workers and tips for managing jet lag are discussed. Lynne shares her unique experiences in a light-deprived bunker and camping in Alaska, shedding light on the broader implications of circadian science and the need for timely practices in our daily lives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Circadian Rhythms' Impact
- Our circadian rhythms significantly influence our daily bodily functions, impacting everything from digestion to sleep.
- These rhythms, present in nearly every cell, require regular recalibration with the Earth's 24-hour light-dark cycle.
Ideal Circadian Routine
- Optimize your circadian rhythm by waking up and sleeping without an alarm, aligning activities with peak performance times.
- Adjust your daily schedule based on your natural energy levels; vacation provides a good opportunity for observing these rhythms.
Bunker Experiment
- Lynne Peeples spent 10 days in a Cold War bunker, devoid of natural light and time cues, to study circadian rhythm disruption.
- Her experiment resulted in jet lag-like symptoms, demonstrating the importance of environmental cues for circadian regulation.
