Ah, summer. The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and sadly, sleep can become a rare commodity. Why is it that summer seems to be the worst season for getting some quality shut-eye? While everyone is unique, the longer, hotter days may have a lot to do with it…
Circadian Rhythms and the Sleep-Wake Cycle
Humans are creatures of schedule, with every aspect of our existence influenced by natural rhythms and cycles. Circadian rhythms are our biological response to the oscillations of the natural world – the 24-hour solar cycle – and these natural rhythms can have a profound impact on our bodies and overall health.
Ignoring circadian rhythms can interfere with melatonin production, a hormone governed by the cycles of light and dark, controlling our sleep patterns and other important metabolic functions. Furthermore, melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, and we need sufficient darkness for our pineal glands to produce it.
Circadian rhythms also affect the hormone cortisol, which is activated in response to stress. Cortisol is produced early in the morning to help us wake up. You can see how disrupting the natural rhythms governed by light and darkness can be affected by our sleeping habits.
Harmonizing with Nature’s Rhythms
We obviously can’t turn off the solar cycle. When summer comes, days get longer (especially the farther North you live) and we tend to stay awake later. However, by understanding the powerful impact these external changes have on our bodies, we can take steps to harmonize ourselves with nature’s rhythms and hopefully get the sleep we need.
There are numerous pharmaceutical solutions available, but they come with a long list of side effects and can be habit-forming. These sleep aids are not designed to be gentle; instead, they knock you out cold, potentially extinguishing other critical health functions in the process.
Natural Relaxation Solutions
Many health practitioners are now recommending honokiol, an extract from magnolia bark that has long been used in Eastern herbal traditions. Honokiol is gaining a reputation among health professionals for its various benefits, including healthy relaxation and a good night’s sleep.
Honokiol performs many useful tasks in our bodies, providing excellent support against abnormal cells and offering protection for numerous areas of health. In addition, it is a powerful antioxidant, demonstrating free radical-scavenging abilities that are a thousand times more powerful than vitamin E. Honokiol also promotes immune health and healthy responses to inflammation. Most important for the topic at hand, it provides a natural calming effect that supports a healthy mood and can aid the transition to sleep.
A Holistic Approach to Better Sleep
Sleep is complex, so for the best results, it’s crucial to take a holistic approach:
- Pay attention to your diet: Be sure to eat healthfully and make sure your body has the right nutrients to naturally support a good night’s sleep.
- Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help tire your body out and encourage better sleep. It’s also a great way to reduce overall stress levels.
- Minimize light exposure: Diminish exposure to both natural and artificial light a few hours before bedtime. Invest in dark curtains that block out light and turn off electronics.
Having difficulty falling asleep can be uncomfortable and affect numerous aspects of life. Prescription pharmaceuticals for sleep often cause more harm than good. On the other hand, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and supplementation with natural solutions like honokiol can help you regain your innate sense of calm and ease yourself into a good night’s sleep.
Take charge of your sleep health this summer by adopting a holistic approach and incorporating natural support like honokiol. Good luck, and sweet dreams!
