At night your body’s working overtime; here we break down the body repair times for you.
It’s easy to think of ourselves akin to our beloved smart phones and laptops; that at the end of the day we simply power down and switch off. Not so. Although we may not consider ourselves nocturnal creatures, on a cellular level at least, we’re at our most productive at night.
During daylight hours, our bodies are subjected to ‘positive stressors’ such as eating and exercising but also ‘negative stressors’ such as air pollution, free radical damage, emotional stress, alcohol and blue light pollution from prolonged screen time. This means our organs need to dedicate their energies to defence during the day and reparation during the night. When not being pushed physically or mentally, the body can switch into maintenance mode and that’s when the ancient biological magic happens.
Regeneration, repair, detoxification, all take place whilst we’re blissfully unconscious. Recent medical studies have found direct links between poor sleep and chronic illnesses because damaged accumulated inside cells are cleared away during sleep and this complex repair process is fundamental to our health.
The inside track
By understanding what’s happening inside our bodies whilst we sleep, we can support our organs to reach ultimate productivity. Below we break down the body repair times during sleep for you:
9pm to 11pm - Thyroid & Adrenals Release Repairing Hormones
The body’s optimum sleep window and the time most of us hit the hay. This is when our bodies release hormones including progesterone, to make us feel drowsy and in a restful state, assisting us to nod off. While you're sleeping, the pituitary gland produces a growth hormone which helps your body to grow and repair itself. Adrenals and the thyroid work in tandem releasing hormones to regulate your metabolism and immune system.
REPAIR SHOP: Wellmune® Blend is a specialized beta glucan derived from yeast, commonly included in wellness formulations. Beta glucans are naturally found in foods such as oats, barley, and certain types of mushrooms. Wellmune® Blend has been studied for its role in various biological processes and is often incorporated into daily routines.
As part of LYMA’s formulation, Wellmune® Blend is included alongside other carefully selected ingredients to complement a balanced lifestyle.
11pm to 1am - Body enzymes help digestion
During the first few hours of sleep, intestinal mobility increases and the gall bladder gets to work, breaking down fatty foods. Digestive enzymes also kick in around now to help your body to digest fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
REPAIR SHOP: Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) is a structured approach to meal timing that aligns with daily rhythms. Some individuals choose to finish eating earlier in the evening as part of their routine.
Turmeric has long been incorporated into traditional wellness practices. LYMA’s HydroCurc® is a specialized curcumin extract designed for improved bioavailability compared to standard turmeric. It is included in the LYMA formula alongside other carefully selected ingredients.
1am to 3am - The liver detoxifies your body
Consider the liver as the body’s over-achiever, responsible for filtering blood and processing all chemicals ingested from our food, environment, drugs, household cleaners and cosmetics. It works even harder at night and requires so much energy, it’s often the reason we wake up around this time, especially if you’ve been drinking alcohol the evening before. The harder your liver has to work to detoxify, the more likely you are to wake up.
REPAIR SHOP: If you often wake during the night, LYMA includes affron®, a specialized saffron extract that is incorporated alongside other ingredients in the formula. Sleep is an important time for the body’s natural processes, and a well-balanced routine can support overall rest and recovery.
3am to 5am - Your lungs reject toxins
Lungs offer a self-cleaning service, clearing out mucus and residual air pollution from the previous day. Around 3am they put all their efforts into dispelling toxins, which is why we might wake up coughing in the early hours. High levels of stress can also be the culprit though and people who worry usually wake at this time because they’re not breathing properly.
REPAIR SHOP: Ashwagandha is a well-known Ayurvedic adaptogen traditionally used in wellness practices. LYMA includes Sensoril® Ashwagandha, a specialized extract incorporated at a precise dosage within the formula. Establishing a balanced routine can contribute to overall well-being and support rest.
5am to 7am - The large intestine uses water and vitamins
The tail end of the night shift, the large intestine focuses on absorbing water, using up every last vitamin and propelling waste function, readying the body to wake. Core temperature rises again and the body needs water to function.
REPAIR SHOP: Start the day with a glass of water to replenish reserves. Get your exercise in now and retain hydration levels by putting off caffeine until after 7am.
