What is Circadian Rhythm?

Most human beings believe that a person’s body is guided by a set of hours that guides him making his daily schedule.  However, scientific studies have shown that the human body is primarily guided by its normal rhythms otherwise known as the circadian rhythm.

A person’s circadian rhythm is apparently regulated by his brain through the suprachiasmatic nucleus.  This brain matter controls the release of nerve cells that controls a person’s circadian rhythm.  This rhythm influences the body’s condition in terms of its temperature, blood pressure, and even hormones.  Knowing one’s circadian rhythm can help a person plan his activities for the day.

The brain follows external factors before it signals the body to do specific functions.  When the brain detects a fading of lights it automatically releases a signal which switches off the body’s active functions and sleep is induced.  Daylight is another factor which signals the brain to allow the body to do its normal functions like waking up and working and even eating.

This may explain why people unknowingly experience the desire to eat during their regular meal times even if they are not that hungry.  It is all a part of his circadian rhythm.

A study of the circadian rhythm revealed how a person’s daily activities are controlled by his rhythms.  Take for example the sleeping and waking up routines.    The body’s rhythm influence a lowering of the body temperature and this induces sleep.  On the other hand, a person will most likely become wide awake when his body temperature increases especially in the morning.

Have you noticed how older people have different sleeping and waking patterns?  As people grow older, that part of their brain which controls the circadian rhythm experiences cell damage.  With this, the circadian rhythm also changes resulting to changes like the need to take more naps and to wake up early.

An inactive person will definitely have a lower temperature, making him feel drowsy most of the time.  In the same manner, an active person will have a higher body temperature which will encourage him to engage in numerous activities.

The entire body of a human being is actually influenced by his circadian rhythm.  Even the production of various hormones which affect body functions is influenced by the circadian rhythm.  One such hormone known as cortisol affects many body functions like metabolism.  Cortisol level in the body is highest in the morning and recedes during the day.  A change in a person’s sleeping habits will also change the peak levels of cortisol in his body.

Knowledge of how the body works can help a person regulate his schedule and even protect his health.  Morning activities should be thoroughly checked and regulated especially for those who have high blood pressure and heart diseases because this is the time of the day when the cardiovascular system experiences changes and problems.  Blood clots and blood pressure rise easily during mornings.

There is also reason to believe that strenuous and vigorous work should be scheduled shortly later in the day because it is that time when the body temperature is at its highest and the body stronger.  Those undergoing operations or other painful procedures should schedule it in the afternoon because it is the period when your body can take more pain.  Following this principle, doctors are also coming to the conclusion that there is less need for anesthesia in the later part of the day.

However, it is advisable to always stick to a regular sleeping schedule to avoid disruption of your circadian rhythm.   While humans may be able to control their circadian rhythm through light and darkness, an erratic schedule may cause havoc in your circadian rhythm causing the body to malfunction.

Notice how people who have sleep disorders are more intolerant of others, irritable and depressed.  People who have sleeping problems or disorders are also more prone to memory loss and have trouble with concentration.  Changes in a person’s sleeping habits may come as a shock to his circadian rhythm as it may not be prepared for such deviations. This happens when a person travels through different time zones.  Observe how people who travel through different time zones appear disoriented when they arrive.  Hence, the term “jet lag.”

The circadian rhythm is also referred to as a person’s biological clock.  While a person’s biological clock is often referred to by people when talking to women who have not yet gotten pregnant, there may be a hint of truth to what they are saying.  Could it be that a person’s body is subjected to a tight schedule and does this explain forty-something women having more trouble with pregnancy and giving birth?

There is more to be gained in knowing one’s circadian rhythm.  For one, knowing your body rhythms will help you keep your health and your sanity in check.