Aliquot #121: Harnessing Natural Light for Better Sleep
Aliquot #121: Harnessing Natural Light for Better Sleep
Imagine a drug that improves sleep, reduces stress, sharpens focus, and boosts mood—without cost or side effects. That "drug" is light. Natural light is more than just illumination; it's a potent regulator of our body's internal clock, driving critical processes like hormone release and sleep-wake cycles. But in a world dominated by screens and artificial lighting, many of us unknowingly deprive ourselves of its benefits, with far-reaching consequences for our health.
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Imagine a drug that improves sleep, reduces stress, sharpens focus, and boosts mood—without cost or side effects. That "drug" is light. Natural light is more than just illumination; it's a potent regulator of our body's internal clock, driving critical processes like hormone release and sleep-wake cycles. But in a world dominated by screens and artificial lighting, many of us unknowingly deprive ourselves of its benefits, with far-reaching consequences for our health.
In this Aliquot, Drs. Matt Walker, Satchin Panda, and Andrew Huberman explore how to harness the benefits of natural light exposure while mitigating the health risks posed by artificial light.
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How to create a strong circadian rhythm
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How modern life deprives us of natural daylight
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Can you get enough bright light on a cloudy day?
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Why morning sunglasses disrupt circadian rhythms
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Using light exposure to mitigate jet lag
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Are overhead lights more disruptive than screens?
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What happens when people are removed from artificial light?
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Do humans need more than seven hours of sleep?
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How modern life delays natural sleep timing
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When midnight was actually the middle of sleep
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How blue light sensors in the retina regulate sleep
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Practical ways to manage blue light exposure
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The importance of morning light exposure
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Why low-angle sunlight is crucial for circadian rhythms
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How to regulate circadian rhythms without morning sunlight
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How to minimize late-night artificial light exposure
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How light influences mood and cortisol levels.
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