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The rhythms of nature have orchestrated human biology for millennia, but our modern lifestyle has disconnected us from these essential patterns. Dr. Mark Pettus takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of circadian rhythms, revealing how light serves as crucial information that synchronizes every cell in our bodies with the natural day-night cycle.

From ancient Hippocrates to Nobel Prize-winning research, the evidence is clear: our bodies respond profoundly to light quality and timing. Yet today, we spend over 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that bears little resemblance to natural sunlight. This mismatch disrupts our internal clocks and increases risk for depression, anxiety, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer—all conditions that ancestral cultures living in alignment with natural light cycles rarely experienced.

Dr. Pettus explores how different wavelengths of light trigger specific biological responses. Morning blue light naturally stimulates alertness and cortisol production—precisely what we need to start our day. Evening sunset, with its red-orange spectrum, signals our bodies to reduce cortisol and increase melatonin for restoration and repair. When we expose ourselves to bright blue-rich light after sunset through screens and indoor lighting, we essentially trick our bodies into thinking it's morning, suppressing critical healing processes.

The good news? Simple changes can dramatically improve circadian alignment. Just 5-10 minutes of morning sunlight exposure helps anchor your biological clock. Using appropriate lighting throughout the day—brighter, cooler lights in morning hours and warmer, dimmer lights after sunset—can mimic natural patterns. These small adjustments yield profound benefits for sleep quality, mood, cognitive performance, and long-term health. Ready to reconnect with the rhythm of life your body was designed to follow?

Slides and audio can be found at www.thehealthedgepodcast.com
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