#circadian-rhythm

#circadian-rhythm

If you've been relying on a couple of nightcaps to drift off, you probably know the painful tossing and turning that comes when you try to skip a night. I used to pack a dozen travel-sized rum bottles in my backpack for weeklong camping trips, lining them up like medical supplies-not for a "good time," but to guarantee a "good night's sleep."

First of all, let's back up. What is melatonin? It's the hormone your brain produces naturally as part of its circadian rhythm, or the internal clock your body has to keep you on a natural, daily sleep schedule. Your pineal gland is in charge of making it, and sunlight signals it to slow down production so you can wake up and go about your day. Though your brain is already producing melatonin, the idea of taking a supplement is that it jump-starts your sleep cycle.

Circadian Syndrome, a cluster of metabolic, emotional, and sleep-related problems from disrupted internal clocks, significantly increases the risk of early death among older adults.

After using this app for a few weeks, I've realized some interesting patterns when it comes to my energy levels, and I've also made a few small tweaks to my daily habits.