Definition of Circadian Rhythm

The human body has its own biological cycles that allow self-regulation of the sleep and waking phases, as well as some organic changes that occur throughout a day. The set of these changes is known as the circadian rhythm (the term circadian refers to the daily 24-hour period). This rhythm of the body becomes a clock, which makes us adapt to the changes that occur around us, especially the daily change in the light-dark cycle.

It must be taken into account that all living beings have their biological clock and, in this sense, in recent years a discipline that studies this phenomenon of nature, chronobiology.

We are biologically designed to sleep at night and stay awake during the day

When natural schedules change as a result of our lifestyle habits, an imbalance is generated in our circadian cycle. People with night jobs or those who stay awake at night suffer from sleep disturbances, which have consequences for the Health. It must be taken into account that sleep regulates other functions of the body, such as

production hormonal, the feeding or the mood. In short, schedules contrary to our nature have a negative impact on health.

Circadian rhythm disorders

The body's biological clock sets the pattern of circadian rhythms. This phenomenon occurs in the hypothalamus, where there are specialized neurons that allow us to coordinate our responses from external messages. If the natural biological rhythm is altered, this situation affects the phases of sleep and the body temperature.

The discrepancy between the body's rhythms and environmental signals also changes our ability to attention during wakefulness. Chronobiology experts say that the biological clock of humans is also found in each of its cells.

Social jet lag

Our daily life is subject to a series of conventional schedules. In this way, a child has his school schedule and an adult his schedule labor.

If the social reality of each individual does not adjust well to his individual biological reality (at his own pace circadian), this alteration creates an effect similar to that experienced after jet lag after a trip. For this reason, chronobiology experts talk about social jet lag.

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Themes in Circadian Rhythm