Many forms of insomnia are in one way or another related to the improper function of your circadian rhythm. Most people associate the circadian rhythm with a time of day, but in reality the circadian rhythm has more to do with light and darkness. Every person has an internal clock that lets us know when it’s time to go to bed and wake up in the morning.
The circadian rhythm IS the internal clock.These rhythms are to some degree governed by hormones secreted by endocrine glands throughout the day. And our body temperature and overall mental acuity and alertness are only some of the factors affected by the circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is partially responsible for us feeling sleepy or sluggish with low energy, certain times during the 24 hour cycle, and for having abundant energy other times during the cycle. Those with a sleeping disorder related to their circadian rhythm tend to feel tired when they should be alert and vice versa. Those working the night shift tend to suffer from this type of sleep disorder.
One of the biggest factors in regulating your circadian rhythms is how much exposure you get to very bright light, especially sunlight. When you don’t get enough light over a long period of time, such as during the winter, you may notice that you tend to feel more fatigued or have less energy when compared to the spring and summer.
Light therapy, using special types of light with specific wavelengths simulating natural light can be used to slowly reset the internal clock. The light therapy is easy and pleasant and requires 30-60 minutes of exposure in conjunction with a strict sleeping schedule. The light is usually delivered using specifically designed lights.
The key to success with light therapy is to time the light exposure correctly depending on your particular situation.