August 22, 2022 - Parul Saini, Webmedy Team
Circadian rhythm affects your sleep pattern and the functioning of your body. It affects your hormones, body temperature, and eating habits. When the circadian rhythm gets out of sync, it causes several health problems including diabetes, obesity, and depression.
Loading...
Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos
In this article, we will describe what is a circadian rhythm and how it works.
A circadian rhythm or circadian cycle, is a natural internal clock that regulates the sleep and wake cycle. It repeats roughly every 24 hours.
Different systems of the body follow circadian rhythms that are synchronized with a master clock in the brain. This master clock is directly influenced by environmental cues, especially light, which is why circadian rhythms are tied to the cycle of day and night.
It has been found that circadian rhythm can also be influenced by other factors such as ambient temperature, meal times, stress and exercise.
Let us look at how a circadian clock affects the human body at different times.
The master clock is found in the suprachiasmatic nucleus or S.C.N, which is in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms in all organs. It receives direct inputs from a class of nerve cells in the retina that act as brightness detectors, which can reset the clock genes in the SCN on a daily basis. The SCN then transmits to the rest of the brain and body signals that bring all of the daily cycles in synchrony with the external day-night cycle.
When circadian rhythm is properly synchronized, it can promote consistent and restorative sleep. But when this circadian rhythm is not in sync, it can create problems in diverse aspects of physical and mental health, including sleep problems.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus has a direct neural connection to the pineal gland, which releases the hormone melatonin at night. When Pineal gland in brain is stimulated from darkness at night, it makes melatonin which is circulated in the blood. Melatonin helps in cleaning up free radical damage and oxidative stress in the body. Your exposure to sun light during the day can boost melatonin levels at night during sleep.
Stay informed.
Get access to award-winning industry coverage, including latest news, case studies and expert advice.
Success in Technology is about staying Informed!
Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos
August 23, 2022
August 21, 2022
August 20, 2022
January 23, 2022
January 2, 2020
February 28, 2020
November 30, 2019
Stay informed.
Get access to award-winning industry coverage, including latest news, case studies and expert advice.
Success in Technology is about staying Informed!
Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos
Loading...
Wakening Wholesome Wellness™
Subscribe to Webmedy Youtube Channel for Latest Videos