07/22/2022
Everyone talks about keeping a healthy circadian rhythm that would foster good sleep and wellbeing. The endogenous circadian pacemaker is located in the suprachiastic nuclei (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. The SCN regulates major physiological functions such as heart rate and body temperature. Maintaining a normal heart rate by getting a good quality of sleep would also regulate our stress response system. There are 2 ways you can work on in modifying your sleep quality.
1. Environmental factor: Make sure you sleep in a completely dark room. As melatonin productions could be inhibited by light because the primary circadian photoceptors contain retinal ganglion cells, and they are photosensitive, light stimulation would influence these cells and affect quality of sleep (Reid, 2019). This may explain that using electronic device before sleep is not recommended.
2. Mind-body factor: In Ayurveda, the misalignment of prana and body is considered as a factor towards quality of sleep. You may incorporate deep breathing exercises such as Nadi Shodhana (alternating nostril breathing) after shower before bed time. This approach could bring back the connection between prana and body. It also moderates your heart rate and facilitates SCN function.
