Jackson Cionek
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Day and Night - Your Body in Action and at Rest

Day and Night: Your Body in Action and at Rest


Levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Oxygen in the Blood (SpO₂) 

Sustained attentional focus is associated with subtle changes in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and blood oxygen (SpO₂) levels. Let’s break this down based on neurophysiological evidence:  

 Attentional Focus and CO₂ / SpO₂: What Science Shows

  1. CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)  

Mildly increased arterial CO₂ levels (PaCO₂)—within the range of 40 to 45 mmHg—are associated with improved cerebral perfusion, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.  

A slight rise in CO₂ induces cerebral vasodilation, increasing local blood flow and thereby optimizing the energy supply needed for attention-demanding cognitive tasks.  

Above 45 mmHg, there is a risk of drowsiness and confusion—meaning hypercapnia impairs cognitive function.  

  2. SpO₂ (Peripheral Oxygen Saturation)

Sustained attentional focus can occur even with a mild physiological drop in SpO₂ to 94–96% (normal resting levels are between 97–99%).  

A slight decrease in oxygenation does not impair cognition and may reflect greater oxygen extraction by mitochondria in active neurons.  

 Warning: Hyperventilation and Hypocapnia 

Overbreathing (hyperventilation) reduces CO₂ (PaCO₂ < 35 mmHg), causing cerebral vasoconstriction, decreased blood flow, and diminished attention.  

This explains why techniques like slow or nasal breathing help maintain focus—they prevent excessive CO₂ loss.  

Ideal Range for Attentional Focus
Ideal Range for Attentional Focus

The Day as Function the Night as Meaning – Close to Do Open to Be
The Day as Function the Night as Meaning – Close to Do Open to Be

Have you ever noticed how your body changes from day to night? During the day, we’re focused, tense, productive. At night, we relax, let go, and rest.

This isn’t by chance — it’s a natural ritual your body goes through every day.


Let’s understand how it works and why it matters so much.


 1. During the Day: The Body in "Action Mode"


During the day, your body adapts to act, study, and solve problems. This includes:


  Useful tensions – Muscles tighten to maintain posture (shoulders back, spine straight).

  Shorter breathing – Helps you stay alert under pressure.

  Controlled emotions – Sometimes holding in anger or anxiety is necessary.


  Why does this happen?

Your brain activates the alert mode (sympathetic nervous system) to face challenges.

It’s as if your body puts on a *functional armor* to get through the day.


  But be careful:

Spending too much time in this mode wears your body down:


* Back pain

* Acid reflux

* Mental fatigue


 2. At Night: The Body in "Being Mode"


At night, it’s time to switch off “action mode” and allow the body to return to its natural state. This happens especially during sleep:


  REM sleep (the dream stage) helps release the day’s built-up tension.

  Breathing deepens, activating the *relaxation mode* (parasympathetic system).

  The brain organizes memories — deciding what to keep and what to forget.


  Why is this important?

If you don’t switch off action mode:


  You’ll sleep poorly

  Wake up tired

  Feel more stressed


3. How to Balance Action and Rest?


During the Day:


 Take short breaks – Every hour, breathe deeply 3 times.

 Stretch – Roll your shoulders, lengthen your back.

 Listen to your body – If it hurts, pay attention!


 Before Sleeping:


* Slow down – Avoid screens or stressful news.

* Breathe slowly – Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 8.

* Release tension – Do gentle stretches.


Your Body Needs Both Modes


| Day = Action Mode         | Night = Being Mode             |

| ------------------------- | ------------------------------ |

| Doing, solving, producing | Resting, processing, restoring |


If one of these modes fails, your health suffers. Respect this rhythm!


 “You are not just what you do. You are also what you rest, what you feel, what you dream.”


Summary:


Close to Do, Open to Be – Your Body’s Natural Rhythm


Day and Night: Two Ways of Living


Your body naturally switches between two states:


1. Action Mode (Day)


 Body "closed" for tasks

 Muscles tense

 Fast breathing

 Emotions held back


2. Being Mode (Night)


  Body "open" for rest

 Muscles relaxed

 Deep breathing

 Emotions processed


Why Does This Happen?


 During the Day:


Your brain activates alert systems to:


 Keep your posture strong

 Stay focused in class or work

 Handle challenges


Example: Before a test, you may feel:


 A knot in your stomach (digestive stress)

 Sweaty palms (nervous system activated)

 Shallow breathing (getting ready for action)


At Night:


Your body enters repair mode:


 REM sleep organizes memories

 Muscles release tension

 Emotions are digested


---


## ⚖️ Balance Is Key


| If You Stay Only in Action Mode | Benefits of Being Mode |

| ------------------------------- | ---------------------- |

| Muscle pain                     | Better sleep           |

| Anxiety                         | Sharper memory         |

| Constant fatigue                | Stronger immune system |


---


Tools for Balance


During the day:


1. Active breaks: every hour, stretch and breathe deeply

2. Posture awareness: relax shoulders and jaw if tense


Before bedtime:


1. Calming routine: 10 minutes without screens

2. 4-7-8 Breathing:


    Inhale for 4 seconds

    Hold for 7 seconds

    Exhale for 8 seconds


Body Wisdom


Your body is wise:


* It creates useful tension when needed

* It knows when to release

* It needs this cycle to stay healthy


You are not only what you produce during the day – you are also what rests and reconnects at night.


Final Tip


Tonight, try this:


1. Before bed, ask your body: “Where am I holding tension unnecessarily?”

2. Gently stretch those areas

3. Notice how you feel the next morning


Try journaling how your body changes from day to night — you’ll understand yourself better!

Day and Night - Your Body in Action and at Rest

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The Day as Function the Night as Meaning – Close to Do Open to Be
The Day as Function the Night as Meaning – Close to Do Open to Be

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Jackson Cionek

New perspectives in translational control: from neurodegenerative diseases to glioblastoma | Brain States