Resetting the Circadian Clock with Flash Therapy
The circadian clock is essential in controlling one’s sleeping and wake patterns. It’s fascinating how this internal clock profoundly impacts our daily rhythms and physical functioning. However, I have noticed that the circadian clock is not often discussed, which is surprising, given its relevance to our daily lives. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that understanding and respecting our circadian rhythms is critical to maintaining optimal physiological and mental health.
As creatures of habit, humans and other living beings adhere to a 24-hour cycle regulated by the circadian clock. This internal biological clock governs sleep and wake cycles and is impacted by various environmental cues, including light and social activities. Without this crucial clock, proper rest and upkeep of physical and mental health becomes challenging. Any disruptions to the circadian rhythm can result in detrimental effects on overall well-being.
As someone who’s worked non-traditional hours or traveled extensively across different time zones, I’m no stranger to the havoc it can wreak on your body’s internal clock. The resulting sleep troubles, mood swings, and brain fog are not enjoyable. Fortunately, some tricks of the trade help alleviate these symptoms. One such technique is exposing yourself to bright light, which can reset your circadian rhythm and reduce the effects of what’s commonly called “jet lag.” Another helpful strategy is exercising, which has been proven to help shift your body’s natural rhythm and improve your sleep/wake cycle.
As someone who travels a lot for work, I’m always looking for ways to quickly adjust to new time zones. That’s why I was intrigued to hear about flash therapy. It involves a sequence of light flashes, like a camera flash, spaced 10 seconds apart. According to a study from 2016, this can postpone the circadian clock by almost two hours. That’s pretty impressive! It could make a massive difference for shift workers and frequent flyers like myself. Of course, there’s still a lot we don’t know. More research is needed to determine the best way to use flash therapy and its effectiveness for different groups of people. But it’s something to keep an eye on!
If you work during odd hours and have trouble sleeping during “normal” times, there’s a unique therapy option out there that could help. Flash therapy is a technique that involves a series of sudden, brightly lit flashes that occur while you’re asleep. It can potentially delay your circadian clock in a way that ultimately helps you get better rest. It’s believed that light has a significant impact on how our internal clocks function, and so by using this approach, it’s possible to reset those rhythms and fall into a healthier sleep pattern overall. It’s not uncommon for frequent travelers or those working irregular shifts to suffer from sleep issues and health problems due to their disrupted internal clock. But flash therapy could be the solution they need. It can sync the body’s internal clock with the external environment, ultimately enhancing overall well-being and sleep quality.
Flash therapy can help shift the circadian clock, and it works well. I read a study by Potter et al. from 2016 that said exercise can do this, too. But now, even more evidence supports flash therapy as a clock-shifting method. Another study also examined whether doing the treatment during sleep could change sleep patterns and ultimately shift the clock. Compared to a control group, the outcome displayed that flash therapy can delay sleepiness by two hours. This could mean that shift workers and jet travelers may find flash therapy helpful in managing their internal biological clock and achieving better sleep quality. It appears that flash therapy has the potential to be valuable in achieving this aim.
Jet setters and individuals working shifts tend to suffer from sleep deprivation and issues with their circadian rhythm. This can lead to a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, which can persist even when they’re awake. However, flash therapy may be the solution for these individuals to reset their internal clock and combat these issues. By improving sleep quality, these individuals can minimize the health risks associated with their unique lifestyle. While jet lag plagues many travelers, utilizing flash therapy upon arrival can help readjust one’s internal clock. This innovative technique can aid in reducing the adverse effects of jet lag and ultimately enhance the travel experience.
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Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
