MODULE 2

Rejuvenate with Rest

While sleep is essential for whole-person health, it only comprises about one-third of your daily hours. And while many of us cram our days full of to-dos, creating space for rest throughout the day is equally important to health! Rest is a waking opportunity to recharge your body and mind with relaxation and reflection. It’s linked to enhanced cognition and mental well-being. Making time for downtime on a busy workday can also boost your attention, motivation, creativity, and productivity. For all these reasons and more, it’s highly valuable to explore ways to take charge of your sleep and rest habits to support whole-person health.

Ultradian Rhythms

While restorative sleep supports your circadian rhythms, creating space for rest throughout the day supports your ultradian rhythms. Ultradian rhythms PDF are wake-rest cycles that occur in 80- to 120-minute cycles throughout the day and night. You can think of them as mini circadian rhythms. When you ignore these rhythms, your body will signal that it’s time for you to take a break. And like getting adequate quality sleep, making time for rest breaks can not only significantly impact whole-person health for the better, it can also boost productivity.

Ignoring these rhythms can have negative impacts, such as:

  • Decreased energy levels and focus
  • Irritation or anxiety
  • Cravings
  • A weakened immune system
  • Inflammation
  • Hyper-reactivity

Build Your Own Sleep and Rest Rhythms

No matter your lifestyle or schedule, it’s possible to create space for restorative sleep and quality rest. However, it may require building a new rhythm! The body thrives on rhythms, and consistent habits that support relaxation will prepare your body and mind for the sleep and rest it needs.

Sleep and rest follow natural rhythms, and it’s important to tune in to those circadian and ultradian rhythms. However, like all areas of whole-person health, your needs and preferences are unique to you. They’ll shift over time – and even day to day! Listen to what your body and mind might need; they’ll let you know when it’s time to take a break and recharge.

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Habits For Sleep & Rest

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Ultradian Rhythms