We’ve all heard a little something about the Circadian Rhythm. It’s your body’s basic cycle of wake and sleep. In earlier generations, we woke with the sun and went to sleep when the sun went down. It was much more cyclical.

Now with electricity, and even more so with iPads, TVs and phones, our circadian rhythm can get a little out of tune. I’ve read some interesting research lately that shows your circadian rhythm is not just important for your sleep and wake cycle. Your circadian rhythm affects how hungry you are. It affects the hormones that are released in your body and so much more.

It’s super important that you do your best to get your circadian rhythm on a normal cycle.

Step 1:  Wake up at about the same time every day. Make sure you go to sleep at about the same time every day. You can give your body a little bit of leeway on the weekend, but not several hours.

Step 2:  Go outside and get natural sunlight every morning within an hour of waking. This can be as simple as 15 to 20 minutes of daylight while you walk or exercise. Even just sitting out on the patio, having a cup of coffee can help your body reset the circadian rhythm and can help get you back on track. After I took a short break from my morning walk, going back made me realize what a huge difference it makes.

As an upper cervical chiropractor for 28 years who cares for many patients with migraines, headaches, and neck pain, I’ve found that there are big pieces of the puzzle and little pieces. Upper cervical chiropractic is often the big piece but paying attention to the little pieces like your circadian rhythm helps you achieve the best results.

Give it a shot and see the difference in how you feel. Your future self will thank you.