But what is the circadian rhythm?

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What is Circadian Rhythm?

Ever wondered what makes you wake up in the morning or start yawning by the afternoon?

So why does this happen?

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What does your Circadian Rhythm do?

Low levels of melatonin will make you feel more awake, whereas high levels will make you feel sleepy.

However, as the sun sets, melatonin begins to rise, preparing your body for sleep.

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What affects Circadian Rhythm?

Light and dark

As you may have already gathered, light and dark can affect your sleep patterns.

But, how can this get disrupted?

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Diet

When and what we eat can not only affect our waistline but our sleep cycles too.

So when should you have your last meal of the day?

Aim to finish your last meal 2-3 hours before bed.

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While drinking too much coffee or tea can also have a negative effect.

Caffeine is a stimulant that works to keep the body awake, Dr Kaylor says.

Aim to cut off caffeine in the early afternoon.

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If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, cut it out even earlier, she advises.

So, whats the answer?

Kaylor explains that you should probably be consistent with yoursleep schedule.

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Go to bed and wake up at the same time every dayeven on weekends.

Do not sleep in on days off.

This confuses the brain and makes Monday mornings that much harder.

Instead, create a calming screen-freenighttime routine.

Then, opt for relaxing activities like reading or listening to a podcast.

Tom’s Guide created this content as part of a paid partnership with Helix Sleep.

The contents of this article are independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Tom’s Guide.