3 Easy Ways To Make The Most Of Shorter Days + Embrace The Light

People will often discuss the importance of circadian rhythm as it relates to sleep—like heading to bed at a regular hour and maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle. But how can you contribute to a healthy circadian rhythm during the day?

"The morning sun hits the receptors in your eye called melanopsin. That blue light detector tells the suprachiasmatic nucleus1 in your brain that it's daytime, and you start making different hormones and neurotransmitters to wake you up for the day," Twyman explains. Bright natural blue light from the sun regulates your natural sleep and wake cycle2, helps boost alertness, and can even elevate your mood. That said, a morning walk may help you start the day more relaxed, as opposed to an artificial light alternative, like scrolling through social media. 

If you aren't able to take a walk outside, "at least crack your window," says Twyman, so you can allow some natural light to fill your space. "It's like the equivalent of like a fish tank," he continues. "If you crack the fish tank, all the water spills through, the same way the wavelengths of light are going to spill into your room. They're going to mount off your walls and hit your eyes." 

Of course, if sun is getting in your eyes, it's essential you put on some sunglasses to protect your orbs (not to mention, squinting can lead to wrinkles down the line). But wearing sunglasses every single second you're outside might block some of the natural light and mess with your internal clock, Twyman says.