Researchers have found that camping for a week can reset our biological clock, especially for those “night owls” that stay up late (past midnight).
Before the 1930’s, we depended on “natural” lighting from the sun. Since then, the electronics we use everyday, such as TV’s, computers, cell phones, and the lights in our home, have disrupted our circadian rhythms.
This article explains how camping may “ground” us to the earth and reset our sleep patterns. There is an emerging science documenting that Earthing, or grounding is highly beneficial to your health and completely safe. Earthing minimizes the consequences of exposure to potentially disruptive fields such as “electromagnetic pollution”.
Grounding or Earthing is defined as placing one’s bare feet on the ground whether it be dirt, grass, sand or concrete (especially when humid or wet). The Earth is a natural source of electrons and subtle electrical fields, which are essential for proper functioning of our immune system, circulation, synchronization of biorhythms and other physiological processes. When you ground to the electron-enriched earth, an improved balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system occurs.
Multiple studies have documented Earthing’s improvement in blood viscosity, heart rate variability, inflammation, cortisol dynamics, sleep, autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance, and reduced effects of stress.
“We think that modern electric lighting patterns and a reduction in exposure to sunlight are contributing to later sleep schedules and difficulties with alertness in the morning,” said Prof Wright, from the University of Colorado in Boulder.
The “blue light” that is transmitted from computer screens has been shown to reduce Melatonin and raise Cortisol (stress hormone). It’s best to turn all computer equipment, phones, TV’s and reduce lighting 30-60 minutes before getting to bed, to get in sync with your natural sleep/wake cycle.
BBC News – Carry on camping – can a week under canvas reset our body clocks?: “”