Let us first get to know what a circadian cycle/clock is.

The circadian rhythm, or sleep/wake cycle, regulates sleep through homeostatic physiology. The circadian rhythm is our brain's 24-hour internal clock that governs cycles of alertness and slumber in response to light fluctuations in our surroundings.

The Earth's rotation around its axis shapes our physiology and behavior. This biological circadian clock evolved to help us adapt to variations in our environment, such as changes in radiation, temperature, and food availability. Without its endogenous circadian clock, Homo sapiens would be unable to optimize energy expenditure and internal function.

Sleep deprivation or poor sleep patterns can have serious consequences for several important daily processes. Memory consolidation, bodily healing, and metabolic regulation take place during the sleep cycle. The sleep-wake cycle can affect eating habits, digestion, body temperature, hormone secretion, and other physical activities.

What controls the circadian clock?

The central clock, or suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is not the only internal mechanism of control in the body; recent discoveries have revealed the presence of secondary or peripheral oscillators in a variety of organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, skin, lymphocytes, esophagus, spleen, thymus, adrenal gland, prostate, and olfactory bulb.

Hormones regulating the circadian rhythm:

Melatonin and cortisol levels may fluctuate as part of your circadian rhythm. Melatonin is a hormone that induces sleep, and your body produces more of it at night while suppressing it during the daytime. Cortisol can increase alertness, and your body produces more of it in the mornings.

Adults and their Circadian Rhythm

Their bedtimes and wake times should be consistent if they stick to a reasonably regular schedule and aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Adults are prone to falling asleep before midnight, when their bodies release melatonin. As adults, we are most exhausted from 2 to 4 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

Geographical effect on Circadian rhythm

Other key elements that influence circadian rhythms include geological cycles such as the length of daylight and darkness in distinct seasons, which are caused by the earth's rotation and transitions.

These geographic events have an impact on the adaptation processes of all organisms, which must alter their physiology to environmental changes. Because the days are shorter and the nights are longer in winter than in spring and summer, depression increases as a result of less sunlight exposure. This temporary mood disturbance is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People who live in nations where seasonal variations are more pronounced, that is, days are shorter and sunshine is lessened during the day in the winter, are widely vulnerable to depression.

Something cool about the Circadian rhythm.

It explains the 3pm Slump. Feeling extremely sleepy in the afternoon is part of your circadian rhythm. It is proven that our biological clock is set to have two resting period. In most of the Asian countries’ afternoon nap is compulsory on tiring days. that way their biological sleep schedule aligns with the biological clock.

This natural clock differs from person to person and even shifts as we age. Teenagers have a longer circadian rhythm, which means they stay awake later. Our circadian rhythm tends to diminish as we age. This is why it is typical for the elderly to retire to bed early. Abide by your circadian clock; it knows your body better than you.

How do you think your circadian rhythm works, do let us know!!

Adios!!

Do You Know Your Circadian Rhythm?