It turns out that the ‘afternoon slump’ is a real thing!
Each of us have an internal biological body clock. This controls our circadian rhythms, which are physical, mental, and behavioural changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and respond to the level of lightness and darkness in our environment . Amongst other important functions, they determine our sleep/wake cycle, making us alert and tired at different periods of the day. Adults strongest sleep drive is between 2:00-4:00am, and 1:00-3:00pm (this varies person to person), which explains the phenomenon of the afternoon slump!
The good news is that our body clock can be trained!
Here’s how:
- Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-time each day;
- Avoid bright lights and electronic screens at least an hour before bed;
- Get a dose of sunlight first thing in the morning;
- Skip the Snooze button.
