Jet Lag Protocol
Many factors come into play that may cause the day/night chemistry to get confused. When this occurs, such as when we fly to the opposite coast, we call it jet lag.
You’ll Need:
- An alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Newspaper with sunrise times
- Melatonin in 3mg capsules – if recommended by your health practitioner
- On three consecutive mornings, set the alarm clock for dawn. See your newspaper to know when the sun rises.
- When the alarm wakes you, get up and sit at bed-side. Shine the flashlight in your face, looking directly into the light with a blank stare for 30 seconds.
- Get up and start your day. Do not go back to sleep!
- At noon, go for a walk for twenty minutes. Don’t wear sunglasses or a hat.
- Go to bed no later than 11:00pm
Rationale:
Many factors come into play that may cause the day/night chemistry to get confused. When this occurs, such as when we fly to the opposite coast, we call it jet lag.
The same set of circumstances can occur through engaging in shift work or if you are experiencing pain at night that is keeping you awake. Stress, fatigue, poor diet, travel, or hormone imbalances can cause day/night body chemistry to become confused. This protocol stimulates the brain in a way that resets day/night chemistry. Resetting the body clock is important towards making repairs and allowing pain to subside. This protocol is designed to speed along this circadian correction.
The body is designed to break itself down during the daytime and to repair at night while you sleep. To accomplish this feat, the body chemistry must be decidedly different during the night than it is during the day. Cortisol, for instance, rises during the day to raise blood pressure, promote energy and to serve as a natural anti-imflammatory (holding off repair until night).
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