Use the Lighting Astronauts Have to Increase Your Peak Performance

Your body by its nature has its own rhythm, specifically its own circadian rhythm.  Ayurveda has always taught that the body is set to do certain things at varying times.  For example, lunch is best eaten between 10 am and 2 pm, and it should be the largest meal of the day for optimal digestion and metabolism.  Sleep, according to Ayurveda, is best between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am.  In modern life, we tend to ignore our circadian rhythm with 24 hour access to light, electronic entertainment and all night drive through food windows.  There is so much distraction that it is hard to slow down and follow our body's natural cycle.

Well, things may be a little easier if you use the right lights.  Generally, individuals whose body condition is their livelihood try to keep their body in peak physical shape.  For example, astronauts or athletes have a team of people trying to keep them healthy so they can do their job well.  Astronauts are subject to environmental conditions that disrupt their circadian rhythms of eating and sleeping.  Professional athletes travel to different time zones and disrupt their natural body function but still need to go out and win a baseball game for their team. To help alleviate the issue for astronauts, a system of biological lighting was created.  This lighting system would help them be more naturally alert throughout the day and sleep better at bedtime, despite the sunrise and sunset patterns in space.  A similar lighting system was used for professional baseball teams. 

Now, many lighting companies are creating this type of lighting for high end homes.  The lighting options include lighting that automatically simulates how  sunlight changes from soft, warm amber in the morning to bright, cool white during the day and back to amber in the evening.  The intent is to combat the negative effect of conventional artificial lighting on our circadian rhythms.

The technology of biological lighting has proven to be a winner, but it is new and may be costly.  Until this type of lighting becomes mainstream, we can try to live by our own circadian rhythm and get the amount of sleep our body needs in the dark, evening hours.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa