A study that followed more than 23,000 people for six years showed that regular napping can cut deaths from heart disease by as much as 37 percent, providing a benefit in the same order of magnitude as that linked to lowering cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, or exercising.
There’s a reason your body feels off when your sleep schedule gets thrown off track.
Disruptions in your circadian rhythm can change how your body metabolizes carbs and fats as well as the optimization of your gut microbiome.
It’s not just about feeling tired – it can also increase your risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Studies have found that individuals with disrupted circadian rhythms tend to have higher levels of cortisol.
Cortisol affects sugar and lipid metabolism, inflammation levels, and water/salt balance, and it peaks in the morning with sunlight, driving your energy levels and metabolism.
But when circadian rhythms are disrupted, cortisol levels can stay high, fueling inflammation and autoimmune issues.
At night, melatonin takes over, promoting repair, influencing autophagy and apoptosis, and fighting inflammation.
When this cycle is disrupted, it can lead to immune system chaos – exactly what triggers autoimmune conditions.
To maintain your health, you need to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and reduce artificial light at night.
