Syncing with Your Rhythm: What Are Chronotypes and How Do They Affect Your Energy?
The Afternoon Slump: Why Your Energy Crashes Every Day
Ever notice your energy crash or hit a wall in the afternoon? For some it’s earlier in the day, for others it’s later. Our human circadian rhythms (24 hour cycles) naturally dip each day, about 7-8 hours after waking up. Humans are actually wired for bi-phasic sleep (two sleeps per 24-hour period).
This can look like a long sleep at night plus a daytime nap, or two longer periods at night, with a break in between. Cave studies reveal that during the absence of light, the bi-phasic sleep pattern becomes undeniable. If cave studies sound interesting to you, check out the book Why Time Flies by Alan Burdick. Such a fun read!
What Is a Chronotype? (And How to Find Yours)
There are nuances within the typical human circadian rhythm. We each have a different chronotype, guiding how we can best sync with built in systems. You can take this Chronotype Quiz developed by Dr. Michael Breus to find out if you are a Lion, Wolf, Bear, or Dolphin.
Share your chronotype with me and I will tell you mine :)
How Industrial Culture Disrupts Our Natural Energy Rhythm
Regardless of the research, there is incredible value in noticing and honoring your natural rhythms in the absence of rhythm disruptors such as light at night, alcohol, caffeine, cannabis and intense exercise. This is something I work on with private clients and will be circling around at the 2027 Restorative Rhythms Retreat in the mountains of Bozeman, MT.
Industrial rhythm (culture, 9-5 and shift work) can interfere with the ability to notice and honor biological rhythm. So can lack of awareness about bio-rhythms and fluctuations in energy. The body doesn't understand these made up cultural containers and suffers from it. Some bodies adapt to over-riding their rhythm better than others.
How to Fix Afternoon Fatigue with Intentional Rest
Siestas aren't just nice, they are biology - and for most of us, at least a break in the afternoon is essential to healthy hormone and nervous system balance.
The next best practice to an afternoon nap is intentional rest. Which is why I like to teach Restorative Motion classes in the afternoon. It supports the nervous systems in approaching the remaining tasks of the day. For people who are night owls and rise later, starting with a slow flow type of movement can aid in getting the day going. For those that are early birds or middle of the road chronotypes, an intentional pause each afternoon is essential to avoid the production of excess cortisol to "push through".
If you feel the fatigue during the day and you ignore it, your body will respond with stress hormones. This is okay occasionally (that’s what stress hormones are for!), but chronically it can cause health issues.
Restorative Motion: Honoring Your Body’s Daily Dip
You could set a timer to honor your afternoon dip on your own each day. You could find a meditation or yin based yoga class. If you live in Bozeman, you can claim one of the 2 remaining mats in my 6-week Restorative Motion (small group) class. You can also bring me in to your work setting to host a class like this with your team.
These classes go beyond basic stretching. They are based in biomechanics, multiple movement methods and include sensory experiences that soothe the nervous system. The weekly practice loosens BOTH your muscles and your mind.
Instead of succumbing to hustle culture - unwind, unravel and nourish yourself. With me, with someone else, on your own. This simple practice is preventative and sometimes necessary to avoid afternoon caffeine and sugar to get through.
If you don't live in Bozeman or that time doesn't work, I am considering a virtual version. Send me a message and I'll place you on a waitlist.