Circadian Rhythm Explained

 

The Circadian Rhythm is more commonly known as the body clock or the internal clock. It is the flow of processes that occur in a living thing that happen within a twenty four hour period. In people, the circadian rhythm tells people when it is time to sleep or eat or when it is time to awaken. These automatic responses are based on external events that relate to the time of day. The onset of daylight or nighttime is generally the most significant effects that trigger a response.

The Circadian Rhythm is more commonly known as the body clock or the internal clock. It is the flow of processes that occur in a living thing that happen within a twenty four hour period. In people, the circadian rhythm tells people when it is time to sleep or eat or when it is time to awaken. These automatic responses are based on external events that relate to the time of day. The onset of daylight or nighttime is generally the most significant effects that trigger a response.

 The circadian rhythm can be found in every life form. Plants, for example, often open their leaves or flowers wider during sunlight and draw themselves inward when it is dark. Animals have hunting and sleeping patterns based on the daylight hours. People, in general, are awake during daylight and sleep at night.

Your internal clock can be changed. People who travel across time zones will adjust their body clocks to compensate for the change in time. Known as jet lag, within a day or two the internal clock will adjust to the light/dark rhythms of the new time zone. People working second or third shift jobs will also readjust their circadian rhythm to compensate for their required work hours.

There are three requirements that a scientist require to determine if an event is related to the circadian rhythm or if it is mere coincidence that the events happens at the same time each day. First, the event must happen at the same time each day even without the external indicators. As an example, if you fall asleep each day at 9pm, this event would take place in the light or in darkness.

The next indicator is if the event takes place regardless of the temperature. Again, if you fall asleep at nine will you continue to do so in the hot or cold weather. Finally, the rhythm can be changed to compensate a change in time. If the event resets itself when the time zone is changed it is considered a circadian rhythm.

The internal body clock regulates many functions within the body. Careful study of the rhythm and patterns can also help a person determine “peak” times of performance for certain functions. Many people will find that they are more mentally alert in the early morning hours or late in the evening. This pattern is part of the internal clock. Scientists have found that by studying these patterns in individuals they can determine the best time to administer medicine or perform operations based on bodily response.

When a person’s internal clock is off, they can suffer from many disorders. Many forms of depression, cognitive disorders and memory issues have been directly related to lack of sleep and an unbalanced internal clock.

 The circadian rhythm can be found in every life form. Plants, for example, often open their leaves or flowers wider during sunlight and draw themselves inward when it is dark. Animals have hunting and sleeping patterns based on the daylight hours. People, in general, are awake during daylight and sleep at night.

Your internal clock can be changed. People who travel across time zones will adjust their body clocks to compensate for the change in time. Known as jet lag, within a day or two the internal clock will adjust to the light/dark rhythms of the new time zone. People working second or third shift jobs will also readjust their circadian rhythm to compensate for their required work hours.

There are three requirements that a scientist require to determine if an event is related to the circadian rhythm or if it is mere coincidence that the events happens at the same time each day. First, the event must happen at the same time each day even without the external indicators. As an example, if you fall asleep each day at 9pm, this event would take place in the light or in darkness.

The next indicator is if the event takes place regardless of the temperature. Again, if you fall asleep at nine will you continue to do so in the hot or cold weather. Finally, the rhythm can be changed to compensate a change in time. If the event resets itself when the time zone is changed it is considered a circadian rhythm.

The internal body clock regulates many functions within the body. Careful study of the rhythm and patterns can also help a person determine “peak” times of performance for certain functions. Many people will find that they are more mentally alert in the early morning hours or late in the evening. This pattern is part of the internal clock. Scientists have found that by studying these patterns in individuals they can determine the best time to administer medicine or perform operations based on bodily response.

When a person’s internal clock is off, they can suffer from many disorders. Many forms of depression, cognitive disorders and memory issues have been directly related to lack of sleep and an unbalanced internal clock.