Welcome to the “Healing Zone,” a dedicated space in your day crafted to prioritize your well-being and optimize rest and digestion. In this zone, we encourage a practice of avoiding food and sugary drinks three hours before bedtime, allowing your body to transition into a state of rest and digest. This intentional pause in eating promotes better sleep quality, as your body can focus on efficient digestion and restoration during the night.
In the final hour of the Healing Zone, we emphasize the avoidance of artificial blue light, recognizing its potential to disrupt circadian rhythms and hinder the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. By adhering to these practices, you create an environment conducive to deep, rejuvenating sleep, essential for physical recovery, cognitive function, and overall health. The Healing Zone is your sanctuary for cultivating habits that promote a harmonious balance between rest, digestion, and a revitalized sense of well-being.
We are trusting that you will avoid eating or drinking anything besides water 3 hours prior to bed. If you’re able to do this, then you can answer “yes” to the question “Did you meet the requirements of your healing zone?”.
Yes = 1 point
No = 0 points
What is rest and digest?
Rest and digest is a pivotal physiological state that directs the body towards recovery and maintenance. When engaged, the parasympathetic nervous system orchestrates a cascade of beneficial effects, promoting relaxation and optimizing conditions for efficient digestion. During this phase, heart rate and blood pressure decrease, blood flow to digestive organs increases, and nutrient absorption is enhanced. Additionally, this state is associated with a bolstered immune function, as reduced stress levels contribute to a strengthened immune response, further emphasizing the holistic health benefits of prioritizing rest and digest in our daily lives.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a type of high-energy, short-wavelength light that is pervasive in our modern environment, primarily emitted by electronic devices like smartphones, computers, and LED lighting. Excessive exposure in the evening can disrupt our sleep-wake cycle. The blue light suppresses melatonin production, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep, leading to difficulty falling asleep and poorer sleep quality. Prolonged exposure to blue light at night has been associated with various health concerns, including disruptions in circadian rhythms, increased risk of insomnia, and potential long-term impacts on overall health and well-being. It is essential to be mindful of our exposure to artificial blue light, especially during the Healing Zone before bedtime, to support a healthy sleep pattern and overall health.
Main sources to avoid include
- Electronic Devices: Limit the use of smartphones, tablets, computers, and e-readers
- Television: Minimize TV watching in the hour leading up to bedtime, especially in a dark room.
- LED Lighting: Opt for warm-toned, dimmable lights in your bedroom instead of bright LED lighting.
- Gaming Consoles: Avoid playing video games or using gaming consoles close to bedtime.