Reset Your Body Clock for a Healthier Heart

Your body runs on a 24-hour internal clock, or circadian rhythm, that governs everything from hormone release to body temperature. A crucial part of this rhythm is the sleep-wake cycle. When you disrupt this cycle with irregular bedtimes or insufficient sleep, you don’t just feel off-kilter—you directly compromise your heart health.
A primary function of your body clock is to regulate your cardiovascular system. It’s programmed to lower your heart rate and blood pressure during the night to allow for recovery. An inconsistent sleep schedule confuses these signals, preventing this vital dip from occurring. This can lead to a state of constantly elevated blood pressure, a major strain on your heart.
This disruption also throws your metabolic hormones into chaos. An out-of-sync body clock can impair insulin sensitivity and increase levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, leading to overeating, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. All of these factors are independent risks for developing heart disease.
To reset your body clock and protect your heart, consistency is key. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Expose yourself to natural light in the morning to reinforce the wake-up signal. Creating this strong, predictable rhythm is a powerful way to support your body’s innate ability to keep your heart healthy.