Protecting the homeostasis of your circadian rhythm is crucial in this day and age since you’re being bombarded by artificial blue light from every angle.
We must protect our sleep at all costs because that’s the very process which is going to serve as a barrier against chronic disease, poor performance and general dullness.
Firelight is one of the most powerful ways to enhance sleep quality and bolster the strength of your sleep/wake cycle.
Firelight emits red light wavelengths.
The same red light wavelengths that you’ll find in red light therapy panels, although likely at a much lower intensity and concentration.
The wavelength of red light falls within the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and ranges from approximately 620 to 750 nanometers. Near-infrared light, on the other hand, has a longer wavelength than red light and falls just outside the visible range, typically ranging from around 750 to 1400 nanometers.
It can contain both red light and near-infrared light, but the majority of the light emitted is in the visible red/orange/yellow range. While some of the longer-wavelength light emitted by fire could potentially fall within the near-infrared range, this wouldn’t typically be the predominant type of light emitted by a typical wood-burning fire.
Fire emits light in a continuous spectrum of colors, from deep reds to oranges and yellows, and into the blue and white regions. However, at lower temperatures, such as those found in a typical wood-burning fire, the predominant color emitted is in the red/orange/yellow range. This is because at lower temperatures, the light emitted has a longer wavelength, which corresponds to the red end of the visible spectrum.
Why Does Fire Light Work Well?
Firelight is effective because it helps regulate your circadian rhythm by mimicking the natural cycle of light and darkness that our bodies have evolved to respond to.
The human circadian rhythm is the internal biological clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, and other physiological processes. Every cell and organ in your body functions or becomes dysfunctional based on how well you keep this aspect of health dialed in.
This rhythm is influenced by various external cues, including the presence or absence of light. Exposure to bright light, particularly in the blue spectrum, signals to the brain that it's daytime and time to be awake and alert. Conversely, exposure to dimmer light or darkness signals that it's nighttime and time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Firelight can help regulate the circadian rhythm by providing a dim, warm light source in the evening. This can help signal to the brain that it's getting close to bedtime and help promote the production of endogenous melatonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles.
Additionally, the flickering nature of firelight can help induce a sense of relaxation and calmness, which will further promote sleep quality.
You have options here:
Use a fireplace
Use a bonfire outside
Use candles
All of these will improve your health in significant ways because the circadian rhythm has a far reaching impact on your metabolism, performance, attitude, so forth.
Much love,
Zaid