WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR INTERNAL CLOCK?⏰
.
A circadian rhythm is a roughly 24 hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria.
.
Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including human beings.
Along with metabolism and sleep patterns, the circadian system influences many important functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, hormone levels, and urine production.
.
The circadian system achieves temporal regulation of endocrine function by a combination of genetic, cellular, and neural regulatory mechanisms to ensure that each response occurs in its correct temporal niche.
The Suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, is our master biological clock, and has about 20,000 nerve cells. These cells get input from the eyes and send out signals about the time of day so that all the body’s clocks run on a uniform schedule.
.
❗️Disruption of circadian clock either due to shift work, jet lag, or severely delayed sleep phase significantly increases the risk of developing various diseases such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and mental disorders.
.
Restoring the circadian clock can help with the treatment or prevention of several diseases.
.
There is a vast need for additional research in this area, especially as it impacts shift work which is becoming a worldwide trend.
Comments