While our preference for maintaining a predictable routine is often seen as an individual choice, new research coming out of the University of Missouri suggests that chaos can be counterproductive for health and longevity. Apparently, consistency really is key for increasing our sleep, reducing pain, heightening moods, and supporting a healthier aging process. Here’s why.
How Does a Consistent Daily Routine Improve Health and Longevity?
The recent study identified that daily routines helped to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, a process that influences sleep, mood, and many other biological functions. “Regardless of sleep quality, those who reported having a regular daily routine had lower levels of physical pain and less depression compared to those without a daily routine,” said Eunjin Tracy, who is an assistant professor at the College of Education & Human Development, at the University of Missouri.
What Is Social Jetlag and How Does It Hurt Fitness and Recovery?
Insomnia is a significant problem, and affects around half of all adults over 60, so the idea that a more structured approach might help our relationship with sleep and ailments like pain and depression is welcome news, even if that means switching off the TV or putting down the game controller at the same time every night. “If we are consistent with when we wake up, eat, work or study, interact with others and go to bed, those time cues help synchronize our internal body clocks. Over the long term, that seems to be linked with improved health outcomes,” added Professor Tracy.
Researchers theorize that even small breaks in our routine can cause disruptions which mess with the body’s internal clock, resulting in a state known as social jetlag. “There is growing awareness about the concept of social jet lag,” said Professor Tracey. “Waking up and going to bed at different times on weekends compared to weekdays, and the disruptions it causes to our circadian rhythm, so hopefully this research helps more people consider the health benefits of a daily routine. Since one-third of our lives will be spent sleeping, I think health and well-being research should be looked at holistically from a 24-hour perspective and not just focus on when we are awake.”
