Sunny mornings and lighter evenings are what many of us look forward to when British Summer Time begins. However, the shift from winter weather can have a big impact - not only on our daily habits, but on our health, too.
'The first week after the clock change - when an hour of sleep is lost - is associated with increased irritability, daytime fatigue, heart attacks, and even mental health problems,' says Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford. And, as many of us are already not getting enough sleep, this can make us vulnerable to these problems for months to come.
But, fear not, there are plenty of easy lifestyle tweaks you can adopt to make the transition into spring and summer feel easier. Intrigued? Our experts reveal how to successfully change your habits with the seasons.
Running like clockwork
Feeling sleepier than usual right now? Then your circadian rhythm could be out of sync. 'Circadian rhythms are controlled by circadian clocks, which are present in almost every organ and cell,' explains Dr Satchin Panda, professor at Salk Institute, San Diego, California*.
'These set the timing for different bodily processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, digestion, metabolism, body temperature, hormone production, and immune, muscle and brain function.'
This means every hormone, brain chemical, and digestive enzyme is preprogrammed to peak at optimal times of day. So, what part do the seasons play? Dr Panda explains that our master clock in the brain, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), receives information about light and darkness from the outside world and shares it with the rest of the body influencing the timing of everything from sleep to hunger.
SPRINGING FORWARD
この記事は Woman & Home Feel Good You の April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Woman & Home Feel Good You の April 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
We faced our HOLIDAY HORRORS
Meet the women who beat their travel phobias - and had the best time ever!
Cure a headache in 3 mins
Ditch that painkiller dose and try these easy fixes for fast relief instead
Giving back, getting fit!
Meet the three women whose fitness routines are motivated by altruism...
DROP A DECADE fitness tips
These smart exercise moves are designed to help you look and feel 10 years younger...
Good hair days, GUARANTEED
Whatever your hair issue, we have the answers, and the products, to help you get salon-worthy locks at home
MEAT without the MOO
Cultivated meat could be heading to a supermarket near you, but would you be happy to tuck in?
EAT TO AVOID DIABETES
Reduce blood-sugar spikes with these tasty low-carb meals
What's your CARB LIMIT?
If you feel sluggish after a plate of pasta and are struggling to stay slim, your genes could be to blame
Fresh & filling SALADS
Delicious, satisfying main meals packed with goodness that will keep you feeling fuller for longer
Find your DIVINE inspiration
It could be time to turn to the stars, the cards or the universe