A circadian rhythm|cycle, is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep–wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. It can refer to any process that originates within an organism and responds to the environment. These 24-hour rhythms|cycles are driven by a circadian clock, and they have been widely observed in plants, animals, humans, fungi and cyanobacteria. Helping to balance this rhythm light therapy can be used (brightness or type of light, amount of time exposed to light, and when exposed to light)… natural sunlight
Light is transmitted through your eyes into a the control center (suprachiasmatic nuclei, SCN) of your brain. There are other influencers of your body’s internal clock, including melatonin (hormone released by the pineal gland in the brain at night), physical activity and social behaviors. Your age can also influence your sensitivity to the sleep-wake cycle. There are several components that make up your body’s circadian rhythm and it is one of four biological rhythms in the body, namely: circadian rhythm, diurnal rhythm, ultradian rhythm and the infradian rhythm.
Studies done with mice show that stress and other factors imbalanceses the body’s circadian rhythm|cycle, and may contribute to weight gain and other health concerns. Thus balancing our circadian rhythm|cycle is vital to our health. If you experience a disruption to your circadian rhythm, you may experience both short-term and long-term effects to your health.
What factors can change circadian rhythms?
- overnight work shifts that go against the natural light and dark times of day
- work shifts with erratic hours
- frequent changes in work shift
- travel into different time zones | jetlag
- late-night hours or early waking times | frequent changes in bed-time and waking up
- certain medications
- stress
- mental health conditions
- health conditions like brain damage, dementi, stroke, head injuries or blindness
- poor sleep habits and hygiene — not having a regular sleep schedule, eating or drinking late at night, watching screens too close to bedtime, or not having a comfortable sleeping space
- older age
Symptoms:
- You have a difficult time falling asleep.
- You struggle to stay asleep and often wake up several times during the sleep cycle.
- You wake up too early and can’t go back to sleep.
What you can do to balance your circadian rhythm|cycle?
Book an in-depth Bio-Resonance health consultation at Innovative Wellness Helderberg with one of our expert consultants to guide you on your health journey.
anneke@innovativewellness-hb.co.za | 071-658 3940
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm#when-to-talk-with-a-doctor
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12115-circadian-rhythm-disorders