Circadian rhythm

• There is a simple and practical way – red light therapy to improve your brain function.
• Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), involves exposure to specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light (660-850 nm) to stimulate biological processes in the body.
• Red light therapy increases mitochondria function to promote balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.
• Studies have highlighted red light therapy has a potential neuroprotective and disease-modifying role in treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients.

• CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GUNNAR Optiks, the preeminent manufacturer and pioneer of premium computer eyewear, today announced the partnership with iconic pop-culture lifestyle brand tokidoki to launch a new collection line of blue light blocking and digital eye strain reduction glasses.
• tokidoki, Year of the Dragon, features a unique modified cat-eye shape and single brow line metal construction resulting in an elegant style.
• The Vision Council of America estimates that 70% of U.S. adults experience digital eye strain as a result of the increasing use of digital devices.
• GUNNAR premium computer eyewear addresses all short and long-term side effects of digital eye strain, including headaches, dry eyes, blurry vision, glare, negative effects of artificial blue light, eye strain, and fatigue.

• The latest study commissioned by Herbalife confirms what we may have suspected: Americans' sleep situation is far from ideal.
• A staggering 78% of Americans are trying to improve their sleep in 2024, with nearly half ranking this as their No.
• "The unfortunate truth is the blue light from TVs, phones, and digital devices unequivocally impairs sleep quality.
• The survey also examined Americans' sleep habits and the undeniable havoc they can wreak on both sleep quality and overall health.

• But increasing research shows that when you eat may just as important for your health and weight as what you eat.
• The importance of when we eat is tied to our internal 24-hour biological timing system, called the circadian system.
• Regular circadian rhythms (our eating and sleeping times) help to maintain normal body functions.

Timing your meals

• The majority of people in the UK consume most of their day’s calories in the evening.
• Most evidence from the field of chrono-nutrition suggests eating breakfast regularly may protect against gaining body fat.
• Habitually skipping breakfast and eating mostly in the evening is associated with a greater risk of weight gain as well.
• Research by myself and colleagues shows that when it comes to weight loss, the timing of your meals doesn’t affect your ability to lose weight – though early eating may have some advantages.

• For example, high-protein meals were shown to make participants feel fuller for longer.
• And because these meals were satisfying, it also made participants less likely to give into cravings later on.
• So, based on the available evidence, it appears that eating most of your meals during the earlier daylight hours may be beneficial for your health and body weight.

Timing your workouts

• However, it’s not yet clear whether exercising at a certain time of day is more beneficial.
• However, a separate study conducted in people who did not have any health conditions found the timing of your workout was less important than when you ate.
• So, while the timing of your workout may be personal preference, when you have your pre-workout meal does matter when it comes to health.

Alex Johnstone receives funding from UKRI, The Scottish Government, NHS, Chief Scientist Office and European Community. She acts as a consultant for the food sector.