A circadian rhythm is a natural internal process that runs in the body on a 24-hour cycle and carries out important processes and functions. Among the essential processes, the circadian rhythm is the sleep wake cycle. Various parts of the body synchronize with the clock in the brain and follow the circadian rhythm.
Many factors can influence the circadian rhythm of sleep, and when it is not working properly, it can lead to sleep problems and even insomnia. Thus maintaining the cycle is important for the overall wellbeing of the person.What is interesting is, the circadian rhythm is present even in plants and animals.
Suggested read: How Effective Are Sleep Trackers? Factors Affecting the Sleep Wake Cycle and Circadian Rhythm Many factors influence the sleep wake cycle. It is categorized broadly as:
Internal wooden bed price actors: One of the key factors that influence the circadian rhythm is the pineal gland. It is in the hypothalamus located in the brain near the skull. This pineal gland produces a hormone called melatonin which regulates the sleep wake cycle and also induces sleep. Additionally, it also helps in regulating the temperature of the body.
External factors: It is well-known that external factors affect the sleep wake cycle. A few of the important external factors that affect the circadian rhythm sleep are light and temperature.
When it is night, the body releases melatonin, and that helps in falling asleep. When there is light outside, the melatonin production is cut off, and that makes you awake. Stress and the food that you eat also affects the circadian rhythm.
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Circadian Rhythm Sleep – How does it Work?
The word circadian rhythm is derived from the Latin word Circa Diem meaning around one day. It works by ensuring that the internal processes are optimized in 24 hours.
The circadian rhythm in the body is connected to a clock in the brain called the circadian pacemaker. It is found in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus, SCN. At various times the clock, genes in the SCN send signals to optimize and regulate the activity in the body.
The SCN has high light sensitivity and is the most influential in maintaining the sleep wake cycle and sends a signal to sync the body’s internal clock. Hence the circadian rhythm is linked to day and night.
It also coordinates physical systems like the wooden double bed . At the usual timings of the meals, certain proteins are produced to aid in digestion. The circadian rhythm helps the endocrine system regulate hormones that aid in many processes.
How Circadian Rhythm Affects Sleep Wake Cycle
Most of the time, when the circadian rhythm is mentioned, it refers to sleep. The sleep wake cycle is one of the most critical examples of the need for maintaining circadian rhythm.
In 24 hours, when the light exposure is more, i.e. during the day, the master clock in the brain sends signals to keep us active and awake. As the day progresses and night approaches, the master clock facilitates melatonin production. This induces sleep and also helps to sleep through the night.
This is how the circadian rhythm helps to sync the sleep wake cycle with day and night.
What is a Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder?
Circadian rhythm sleep is needed for the body systems to work optimally and to have a healthy sleep wake cycle. But what happens if it is not working as expected? It can lead to sleep problems and is called the circadian rhythm sleep disorder. That is because there are no proper signals sent from the internal clock, and without that, the person is unable to sleep or wake up.
Additionally, the sleep quantity is also reduced, and that affects sleep quality. Over time it can lead to insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Since sleep plays an important role in overall health, when there is circadian rhythm disorder, it leads to many health issues.
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