As the sun rises and sets, our bodies synchronise with these rhythms, performing different biological functions throughout the day.

Understanding circadian rhythms:

Circadian rhythms are our body’s internal clocks, orchestrating various physiological processes over a 24-hour cycle. Derived from Latin words meaning “around” and “day,” these rhythms ensure our bodies align with natural light and darkness cycles. While sleep-wake cycles are the most well-known, circadian rhythms extend to nearly all bodily functions, including temperature regulation, hormone secretion, digestion, and cognitive function.

Factors affecting circadian rhythms:

• Disrupted sleep patterns, like late bedtimes or sleep disruptions from sleep disorders, can lead to insufficient sleep and misaligned circadian rhythms.
• Exposure to artificial light at night, especially from electronic devices, can confuse internal clocks, disrupting sleep-wake cycles and contributing to sleep problems.
• Jet lag from rapid time zone travel results in sleep disturbances and fatigue as internal clocks adjust to new time zones.
• Shift work disrupts natural sleep patterns, causing irregular sleep schedules and circadian rhythm disturbances.
• Busy schedules and constant connectivity can lead to deviations from natural circadian rhythms.
• Irregular meal timing, late-night eating, and food choices, like high-fat or high-sugar diets, can disrupt internal clocks and lead to sleep disturbances.