Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythm is something that’s found in all living organisms. It is essentially the physical, mental and behavioral changes that occur over a 24-hour cycle, each prompted by the body’s response to light and dark. Not to be confused with our biological clock, circadian rhythms are produced by natural factors in the body, as well as by the environment that surrounds us.
Understanding the Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is basically the chronologic flow of our day. For instance, over the course of 24 hours, the average person:
- Stops secreting melatonin around 7:30 am
- Has their highest secretion of testosterone around 10:00 am
- Has their best coordination around 2:00 pm
- Has their most muscle strength and greatest cardiovascular activity around 5:00 pm
- Has their highest body temperature at 7:00 pm
- Starts secreting melatonin again around 9:00 pm
- Experiences their deepest sleep around 2:00 am
The Importance of the Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythms play an important role in our lives. They affect all aspects of our body functions, from our sleep wake cycle and body temperature to hormonal changes and other bodily functions. When an individual’s circadian rhythm is out of sync, they can suffer from a number of health problems, including:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain cancers
A good example of how the circadian rhythm can be affected is by how the body reacts when someone travels from California to New York, where the time is three hours ahead. When you wake up at 7am, your body still thinks it’s 4am and it will feel sluggish and tired until you’re finally up and about. After a few days, the body will reset its internal clock so the effects won’t be as dramatic, but initially, the body’s rhythm is off.
Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.
