Circadian Rhythm And
Sleep
Understand Your Circadian Rhythm To Help Your Body
To Be In Balance
When you are affected by the jet lag, or when you feel tired
after working a rotating shift during the week, what actually
happens here is that your body's circadian rhythm has been
affected. The word circadian is derived from the Latin words
¡°circa diem¡± which has been translated into English, means
about a day. As it involves the human body, so the context
means refers to a 24-hour period.
Although circadian rhythm is most commonly associated with
humans and their sleep patterns, it also has a direct influence
on our blood pressure, our body temperature and our body's
production of hormones. When all combined together, these
internal changes tell our bodies when it is time to sleep
and to wake and how our moods will be at any given time.
Rhythm is one big part of nature. For instance, we know that
the Earth completes a rotation every 24-hours and that year
after year, the seasons change from winter to spring to summer
to autumn and then back again to winter. Therefore, circadian
rhythm is important to animals' lives as well. The most significant
example of an annual natural rhythm is the migration of countless
species of birds every year.
When we talk about the sleep-wake cycle, there are two primary
environmental forces at work, which are the light and temperature.
Circadian rhythm can also be affected by other stimuli such
as the sound of your alarm clock and what and when you have
eaten, and in women, it will be their menstrual cycles.
In our body, circadian rhythm is influenced by an 'internal
clock' that we have it in our brain called the hypothalamus.
To be exact, two large clusters of neurons situated on either
side of the brain called the Suprachiasmatic nuclei or SCN
is considered the body's master clock. The SCN will work with
other genes to help our body to keep track of time. The stimulation
will release different chemicals, hormones and neurotransmitters,
which tells the body when it is time to fall asleep and to
wake up, when it's time to eat and when it's time to have
intercourse and more.
When it is our time to sleep, let¡¯s look at the simplified
way of how the circadian rhythm works. At the first sign of
daylight, the body begins to produce hormones and neurotransmitters
which include serotonin and cortisol. These help the body
to prepare for an awakened mode by increasing body temperature
and blood pressure. Similarly, as daylight fades, the body
begins to release melatonin, the main signal which tells the
body to begin lowering blood pressure and to prepare itself
for sleep.
When our body's circadian rhythm is in balance, it dictates
the proper timing and release of these important chemicals,
hormones and neurotransmitters. But, if our body's circadian
rhythm is disrupted, it will be out of balance. A prolonged
imbalance can and often leads to the development of a number
of sleep disorders and emotional disturbances. It would seem
then that being healthy and happy is all about keeping your
circadian rhythm in check.
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