Huberman's Formula for Creating Spring Inside Your Body

In a world that never seems to dim its artificial lights, the value of natural light is often overshadowed, quite literally. Daily exposure to the sun's golden rays has a profound impact on our body's internal systems, particularly our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.

This intricate dance of chemicals and neurotransmitters affects our ability to sleep and our overall vitality and zest for life.

In this blog post, I delve into Dr. Huberman's revolutionary insights on harnessing circadian rhythms to transform your internal climate and supercharge your vitality. Understanding his approach brings you one step closer to crafting a 'spring' within your body – a season of sustained energy, resilience, and well-being.

The Primacy of Sleep in Your Health Agenda

Dr. Huberman's work underscores the unmatched significance of sleep in the health equation. He reiterates what's often underappreciated - that sleep, quality, and quantity combined are the cornerstone of good health. 

He emphasizes that a bustling arsenal of food and workout regimens will likely backfire if you undercut your sleep. "Your immune system is usually tanked if you're not getting sleep," he warns. This is a resounding encouragement to prioritize restoring rest as a non-negotiable daily commitment.

The Key Pillars of Huberman's Circadian Health Strategy

The heart of Dr. Huberman's philosophy lies in unleashing the full potential of our circadian biology. His approach centres around three fundamental practices:

Sleep comes first 

Dr. Andrew Huberman says sleep is fundamental to our health and well-being. When we don't get enough sleep, our immunity is compromised, and we're more susceptible to getting sick. Huberman recommends that we aim to get a good night's sleep 80% of the time.

One of the most important things we can do to improve our sleep is to get exposure to natural light within one hour of waking up. This helps regulate our cortisol levels, which are essential for energy, mood, and metabolism. Late-night shifts can disrupt our cortisol rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep at night and wake up feeling refreshed.

Melatonin is another vital hormone that is regulated by light exposure. Melatonin helps us to feel sleepy and fall asleep at night. When we get enough sunlight during the day, our bodies produce more melatonin at night.

Embrace the Morning Light

Dr. Huberman advocates for an immediate dose of natural light within an hour of waking. He explains that this early light exposure propels the release of cortisol, our body's natural energizing hormone, effectively setting the tone for the day.

This isn't a cursory glance at sunlight; it's a strategic ritual to help reset your internal clock. Each dawn can begin your 'spring,' with the golden hour signalling the lifting of the energy curtains in your mind.

Exercise and the Early Cortisol Boost

Morning exercise is not just a matter of habit; it's a biological catalyst. Engagement in physical activity jumpstarts your body's natural cortisol production, clearing the remnants of sleep-inducing adenosine. 

Dr. Huberman's suggestion to delay the morning cup of coffee may seem counterintuitive, but it's a prescription for harnessing your body's native forces. Use exercise instead of a caffeine-driven charge to rev up and set your day in motion.

Mind the Lighting Schedule

The circadian clock is a stickler for routine, and lighting plays a pivotal role in dictating our internal season. Mid-morning sun exposure is a benevolent force, reinforcing wakefulness and promoting alertness.

Conversely, as the day winds down, so should your exposure to bright lights, especially artificial ones. Dr. Huberman advocates for dimming the indoor lights post-sunset to signal the impending 'winter' within. It's a practice that encourages your body to yield to the natural rhythm of dusk and dawn, nudging you toward a restful night.

Demonstration of Spring vs. Winter in the Body

Dr. Huberman's metaphor of creating 'summer months' and 'winter months' inside one's body is a compelling visual aid in understanding circadian health. A balanced adherence to morning light exposure, exercise, and mindful lighting can create a lively and stimulating internal environment akin to spring.

Conversely, neglecting these practices can cultivate an internal 'winter' characterized by sluggishness and stagnation. Waking up late, remaining indoors, staying glued to screens, or disrupting the natural light-dark cycle are all culprits that contribute to the cold season inside your body.

Overcoming Setbacks and Cultivating Health Through Small Wins

Dr. Huberman acknowledges that adopting these habits can be complicated. Life's demands and personal challenges can interfere with your best-laid plans.

However, he encourages the pursuit of 'small wins' – incremental steps that build upon each other to create substantial change. It could be as simple as committing to an early morning walk, using blue-light filters after sunset, or rethinking your office lighting setup.

These wins aren't just about compliance with a circadian health strategy; they're about building a life that aligns with your body's natural rhythms.

Your Path to Circadian Resilience

Implementing Dr. Huberman's circadian health strategy is akin to planting seeds of well-being. With patience and perseverance, these seeds blossom into a vibrant, robust landscape within your body.

Embracing sleep, revelling in the light of dawn, and aligning your actions with the natural ebb and flow of the day form the bedrock of a health regimen that is not just effective but enduring. As you navigate the concepts put forth by Dr. Huberman, remember that the true power of these principles is not in their complexity but in their consistent practice.

Cultivating a spring inside your body is a journey that is uniquely yours. It's a journey toward vitality, resilience, and a full embrace of the life force that thrives within the interplay of our circadian rhythms and the world around us. 

With Dr. Huberman's wisdom as your guide, you possess the blueprint to sculpt your internal season. Welcome the dawn, move with intention, and bid a gentle farewell to the day with gratitude. Your body is a symphony waiting to be orchestrated by the conductor within you. Your spring awaits – it's time to step into the light and let it in.

Here are some of the key takeaways from Huberman's talk:

• Sleep is essential for our health and well-being.
• Aim to get a good night's sleep 80% of the time.
• Get exposure to natural light within one hour of waking up.
• Exercise regularly to help clear adenosine and boost your mood and energy levels.