Mastery of sleep is vital to anyone who hopes to master their health and mood. Avery said, explaining that humans once were synchronized to the cycles of the earth and sky. Those of us particularly sensitive to this imbalance may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can cause low mood, low energy, hypersomnia, poor concentration and low productivity. But Avery has found ways to help his patients. He asks them to stick to regular bedtimes and rising times, and to use dawn-simulating lights, which allow them to awaken in the winter as if roused by sunlight.
Light is the primary synchronizer of circadian rhythms.
This master clock regulates multiple circadian variables, including sleep, temperature, and the circadian oscillators melatonin, cortisol and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Many serious psychological imbalances, including bipolarism, can be significantly minimized with proper sleep hygiene, Avery said. Amazingly, many of the patients he sees who have been through countless doctors have never been asked to look at their sleep habits. Find regular bedtimes and wakeup times and stick to them. Close the shutters and turn out the lights.