4 Tricks To Train Your Circadian Rhythm For Better Metabolism & Longevity 

Your circadian rhythm controls your sleep-wake cycle, but make no mistake, it impacts so much more than a good night's rest. It determines which hormones are released for ovulation and digestion, when your memories can consolidate, how well your immune system recovers, and so much more.

Not to mention, quality sleep affects practically every function of your body, from metabolism to skin health to longevity. Just take it from licensed clinical psychologist Aric Prather, Ph.D., author of The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest: "People who get insufficient amounts of sleep are at increased risk for a host of negative health outcomes, ranging from cardiovascular disease to Type 2 diabetes to obesity," he explains on an episode of the mindbodygreen podcast.

"The first thing you want to start with is maintaining a stable wake time," says Prather. It can be trickier than it sounds, especially if you prefer to sleep in on the weekends. But according to Prather, sticking to a consistent wake-up schedule will set you up for sleep success in the long run.

"Once you set that wake time, the next step is to try to get some early morning sunlight," he continues. Bright natural blue light from the sun regulates your natural sleep and wake cycle1, helps boost alertness, and can even elevate your mood.

If you live in an area that doesn't get much natural light (or you tend to wake up before sunrise), Prather recommends investing in a lightbox of at least 10,000 lux. "[That light for] 30 minutes will help train your circadian rhythm," he notes.

Consequently, when the sun goes down, you'll want to protect yourself against artificial light exposure. "Blue light exposure from screens can impact melatonin production2, so you just have to be thoughtful about that," be says. "As the sun goes down and you begin that transition into bedtime, you certainly want to be protecting yourself against bright lights and screens."

"The other thing that has been shown to be effective in maintaining people's circadian rhythms is physical activity," says Prather. "Doing physical activity, ideally around the same time each day, will train your rhythm [and] allow you to make it more predictable for your body." 

Just make sure you don't exercise too close to bed (like less than two hours before), or it might get you too wound up. See, vigorous exercise raises your core body temperature, which can make it harder for some people to fall asleep.