Did you know that most of us follow the same circadian rhythm and our energy levels collectively drop around 3PM?
By now you probably know that humans have a circadian cycle that actually dictates our ebbs and flows in energy levels throughout the day (even night owls have them!). Most of us are able to start our day alert and energized, especially if you've had your morning dose of caffeine! But did you know that most of us follow the same circadian rhythm and our energy levels collectively drop around 3PM? You may want to blame it on that burger or liquid lunch you enjoyed.. But it's just human nature.
Energy levels typically pick up again around 6PM / dinner time which is why a lot of adults find themselves more awake at night time, right before they’re about to fall asleep. But what should we do about that 3PM slump? Theres gotta be some way to get through those mid afternoon hours (and meetings that should have been an email!).
Here’s what we recommend from AWAKE, we’re not experts but we are tired…
- Try an AWAKE Chocolate Bite: most consumers don’t like the idea of enjoying caffeinated beverages mid afternoon due to the possible side effects: Will I be able to sleep tonight? Instead, reach for a bite of AWAKE caffeinated chocolate. We recommend the Caramel bite - it pairs deliciously with your favorite can of bubbly (alcoholic or not, we won’t tell). With just 50 mg of caffeine/bite, our bites contain half the amount of caffeine in a small cup of coffee, most likely not enough to keep you up past bedtime, but just enough to fight that dip in your circadian rhythm around 3pm!
- I hope you are reading this in one of the warmer months… get outside! Sunlight is a natural cue to wake your body up. Just a tip… this not only helps in the afternoon, morning sunlight exposure has a ton of added benefits as well, including improving your ability to sleep at night. So get out! As much as you can, at all hours of the day!
- Take a walk! Movement wakes anyone up. Walking has a ton of health benefits and you don’t need a fancy trail to do it. Whether you’re in the office on a week day, late for class or having a lazy Sunday, find ways to implement more steps into your day. Take the stairs vs the elevator, get off the bus early and walk a couple extra blocks, trade the evening news for an evening stroll!