Circadian Rhythm

Circadian Rhythm referred to as the "body clock", it is a 24-hour cycle that tells our bodies when to sleep and regulates many other physiological processes. This internal body clock is affected by environmental cues, like sunlight and temperature. When circadian rhythm is disrupted, sleeping and eating patterns got disrupted. A growing body of research is examining the adverse health effects a disrupted circadian rhythm can have, like increasing the chances of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and a correlation with neurological problems like depression and bipolar disorder. Circadian rhythm is important in determining sleeping patterns such as when we sleep and when we wake, every 24 hours. The normal circadian clock is set by the light-dark cycle over 24 hours. Disruption in a person’s circadian rhythm is called as Circadian rhythm disorder. The main feature of circadian rhythm disorders is a continuous or occasional disruption of sleep patterns. The disruption results from either a malfunction in the "internal body clock" or a mismatch between the "internal body clock" and the external environment regarding the timing and duration of sleep. As a result of the circadian mismatch, individuals with these disorders usually suffer from insomnia at certain times and excessive sleepiness at other times of the day.

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Last date updated on April, 2024