By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
Before the age of electricity, the norm was to sleep when the sun went down and to wake up at cockcrow. No choice. We were regulated by nature. Our Creator built in us an internal body clock – the circadian rhythm- a 24-hour cycle which the different organs of our body follow automatically. Based on centuries of careful study, scientists have discovered that there is an amazing rhythm of how the various internal organs of our body work. This internal body clock is, in turn, governed by the clock in the cosmos. In other words, our internal body clock is governed by light and darkness which in turn, dictates our sleeping and waking. We are conscious of our sleeping and waking moments. What we don’t see and realize are the processes that happen inside our bodies when we are asleep as we wake up. Let’s see what ancient wisdom has discovered.
Night time is sleeping time- time for repair and regeneration. That’s how we are designed by the Creator. This is logical- one cannot repair a vehicle while it’s running. Here are estimated times and what happens:
9pm – 11 – time for detoxification or eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals from the lymph nodes. Also time for the hormone, melatonin, to be released from the brain. Melatonin
helps us sleep and lowers cortisol levels in the blood (the stress hormone). Melatonin release is better when it is dark so it’s best to put off lights, just like what night is really like. As the body is purified, it can now repair damages and regenerate cells all throughout your sleeping time. It’s like you need to clear the garden of weeds first before you can plant camote or pechay.
11pm – 1 am – liver detoxifies the blood and does it best in deep sleep. Meaning that for the liver to do the best job of purifying our blood, there should be no distractions.
1am – 3 am – liver continues detoxifying the blood and the gallbladder also does its job in processing fats, ideally done also in deep sleep. Poor sleep or no sleep will disturb
this detoxification process. Thus those pimples pop out when you are not sleeping well. The skin tries to help eliminate excessive substances or toxins that you have been
eating and drinking.
3am- 5am – this is the time for the lungs to also do its part in cleansing the blood and improve oxygenation of our body. Thus there may be severe cough during this time for those who have cough. There is no need to take cough medicine at this time so as not to Interfere with the detoxification process. You can do deep breathing exercises or walking or yoga at this time. In the past, people were awake at dawn – about 4-5 am. Many still do at present which is healthy.
After your body is finished with the detoxification process during the night, it needs to eliminate these solid and liquid wastes otherwise, the toxins get reabsorbed to your blood . Early morning (5am- 9am) is the time of cleansing and elimination, then absorption of nutrients.
5am – 7 am – the large intestine (colon) now is in its most active state so you should empty your bowel at this time. Sometimes, you need to walk around a bit to wake up your bowels. Some drink a glass of water after waking up. Lying in bed delays this elimination process.
7am – 9 am – Time for absorption of nutrients in the small intestine so you should be eating a nourishing breakfast at this time. Remember to chew your food well to give time for your stomach to get ready to welcome the food.
After 9 am – Peak of digestive enzymes. Being awake and active supports the work of these enzymes for better metabolism and blood sugar control and thus more energy and good mood.
In summary, sleeping and waking up early maximizes organ detoxification and body repair and regeneration, supports natural elimination of toxins, and is in sync with natural hormone cycles to give you balanced hormones, improved digestion, regular bowel movements, increased immunity, good mood, clearer mind and focus and emotional stability. Nothing beats being in sync with nature. ***
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3 John 1:2 “ Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
