Resetting my circadian rhythm?!
Question: I've had problems sleeping for as long as I can remember (25 yo male in good health). Most recently my sleep patterns have been somewhat better than usual; going to bed between midnight and 3 and waking up at noon or 1. But since I am about to graduate from college I need to get a hold of my sleep patterns. So, I am forcing myself to go to bed earlier. Last night I fell asleep around 11:30 and got up at 7. The problem is, I feel absolutely horrible. I can literally feel my body thinking that I'm asleep. I feel like I'm watching myself, out of body type, like im a movie. How long will I feel like this? How long will it take for my sleep cycle to get back to normal? I'm taking Valerian root and melatonin at night and drinking a modest amount of coke and tea durring the day.
Answers: I've had problems sleeping for as long as I can remember (25 yo male in good health). Most recently my sleep patterns have been somewhat better than usual; going to bed between midnight and 3 and waking up at noon or 1. But since I am about to graduate from college I need to get a hold of my sleep patterns. So, I am forcing myself to go to bed earlier. Last night I fell asleep around 11:30 and got up at 7. The problem is, I feel absolutely horrible. I can literally feel my body thinking that I'm asleep. I feel like I'm watching myself, out of body type, like im a movie. How long will I feel like this? How long will it take for my sleep cycle to get back to normal? I'm taking Valerian root and melatonin at night and drinking a modest amount of coke and tea durring the day.
Your circadian rhythm was following another time frame for a long time. It takes about 48 to 72 hours to reset it for another time frame. Most people need 8 hours of sleep. Those taken during the night hours are the most restful ones.
You may also be taking more than your share of caffeine in your Coke, so you might want to get away from all forms of caffeine. Decaf products may take their place. The healthful recommendation for tea is 2 cups a day, preferably of the green tea variety.
Make your last meal at least 2 or 3 hours before you go to bed. No snacks before bedtime. This will help you rest better.
just keep waking up early no matter what itme you go to sleep. you might feel like crap for a while, but your body will let you know how much sleep it wants and you'll get so use to it you'll naturally wake up at the same time. good luck and way to start early