Did you know that during a typical workday, you get far less light exposure than you would outdoors? That’s because indoor lighting is no match for the brightness of natural sunlight, and this difference has a big impact on your body’s internal clock (aka your circadian rhythms).
This matters because your circadian rhythms rely on clear light signals to function properly.
Natural sunlight creates a sharp divide between day and night, but modern indoor lighting blurs that line. During the day, the light is too dim, and at night, it lingers too long, confusing your circadian rhythms.
You can think of your body’s confidence as to what time it is as its amplitude. Bright, natural light during the day boosts this amplitude, while light at night weakens it. The more light during the day, the better.
So, this holiday season, make it a priority to get outdoors.
You don’t have to exercise if you don’t feel like it; it’s the holidays, after all. Just step outside and soak up the sunlight. It’s an easy way to reset your clock and build stronger rhythms. And if you drift off quickly after a big meal, you could blame the turkey—or thank your circadian rhythms for sending a clear signal that it’s time to sleep.
