You may have already heard about the circadian rhythm and sleep cycles, but did you know that they both are examples demonstrating one of the most fundamental laws of nature?
As a company with roots in nature (pun intended) we spend time thinking about the way that nature influences our lives. A subtle, yet profound principle that governs all of existence is the natural Law of Rhythm. It is the foundation for all cycles on earth. Those who live in harmony with this rhythm feel life flow more smoothly, and wellness feels more like a natural state of being rather than a hard-to-achieve goal.
Before we dive into some interesting details about your circadian rhythm and sleep, let’s unpack this principle, the Law of Rhythm.
The Law of Rhythm states: "Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."
The universe is a symphony of rhythmic cycles: the Earth orbits the sun, the moon orbits the Earth, and the Earth itself rotates every 24 hours. Seasons change, tides ebb and flow, day turns to night and back again. These perpetual cycles are an enduring constant of the ages.
Throughout history, empires rise and fall. The rhythm of life manifests in our traditions, from the planting and harvesting of crops to the celebration of holidays. The music we create, the breaths we take, waking up and falling asleep, all operate with this intrinsic rhythm.
The circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle and various other physiological and behavioral processes. This internal clock, governed by the brain, is primarily influenced by external cues, such as light and darkness, to help synchronize our bodily functions with the 24-hour day-night cycle of the Earth’s rotation.
Adhering to your circadian rhythm can support optimal sleep, which is essential for health. This biological system has evolved to optimize our physiology, adapting to environmental changes. Disruption of this rhythm leads to various health issues, including sleep disorders, which can profoundly affect our well-being. What can be done if you fall out of alignment with your circadian rhythm?
Resetting your circadian rhythm involves establishing a regular sleep schedule and managing light exposure. Natural light is a potent signal for your brain and body. Strategies include getting sunlight early in the day, avoiding light closer to bedtime, and gradually shifting sleep times. Interestingly, camping without artificial light has been found to effectively reset the circadian clock.
One of the best supplements to take to support sleep are Charlotte’s Web™ Sleep Gummies. These sleep gummies are formulated with full-spectrum hemp extract containing naturally occurring CBD which helps maintain more regular sleep cycles and includes Melatonin which promotes natural sleep patterns and is a commonly used nighttime sleep aid. *
Just as sleep is crucial for physical health, aligning with the natural Law of Rhythm supports mental well-being. Life out of sync or unaware of this rhythm may feel like the norm, but it shouldn’t be. Understanding how all things flow to rhythm doesn't change the rhythms of life but allows us to harmonize with them.
When we understand and embrace the Law of Rhythm, we align ourselves with the cycles of nature, leading to greater ease and well-being in many areas of life. A good night’s sleep is the key to unlocking a great day. Paying attention to your circadian rhythm will help but that alone may not be enough. There’s a lot of information out there for improving sleep. To help you, we’ve written several articles about it, learn more about how to eat for better sleep, what to do when you can't sleep, how to fix your sleep schedule, creating a sleep routine, sleep tips to fall asleep faster, how to stop overthinking at night, and using CBD to fall asleep.
