How Light and Time Shape Our Health and Wellbeing:

The documentary “Body Clock: What Makes Us Tick?” follows a former commando as he spends ten days in a nuclear bunker without being able to tell the time. Throughout the experiment, the importance of light for controlling our body clock is investigated, as well as the negative health effects of disrupting with our natural cycles. Conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer are linked to disrupted body clocks, highlighting how important it is to remain in balance with your body’s cycles.

During the study, the commando experiences daily tests to assess his mood, memory, and reaction speed. The results reveal that it is clear that his performance follows a 24-hour cycle. For example, one cycle he demonstrates is how his reaction time peaks in the afternoon and dips in the morning. In addition, the documentary illustrates how our bodies work most effectively when they are in sync with their natural cycles. For instance, eating larger meals in the morning due to your metabolism being greater.

In another section, the commando is exposed to long periods of low light to investigate if our body clock needs light signals to stay in sync. The findings confirm that light does play a crucial role in controlling our internal clock since our body clock is located in the part of the brain that receives light signals picked up in the eyes. The documentary also highlights how the amount of light inside is much lower than outside, emphasising how modern lifestyles often deprive people of light. For example, individuals who work in offices, spend most of their days indoors, or commute would have less light signals, leading to a higher risk of disrupted sleep patterns.

To conclude, the documentary not only offers insightful information about how our body clock functions, but also provides helpful advice for enhancing sleep and general wellness.