Circadian Rhythm: Why is it important?
This internal 24-hour clock is in our suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, which is in the brain. There are also peripheral locations in other organs like the liver, kidney, heart, lungs, skin, intestine, spleen, prostate, etc. , that coordinate peripheral centers with the central command in the brain. The Circadian Rhythm (CR) is very important for the regulation of cycles of alertness in response to light changes. This CR develops after birth within the first 4 months of life. The secretion of melatonin (from the pineal gland) and cortisol all play vital roles in the integrity of this system.
Importance of the Circadian Rhythm (CR) and its functions:
The CR is critical to the optimization of energy expenditure by its influence on various hormone secreting systems. This can impact weight control and metabolic functions.
This system stabilizes our sleep patterns which are needed for overall health. Faulty sleep can affect eating habits, memory, digestion, body temperatures, hormone release, glucose metabolism, weight balance, and stress management. This can fuel chronic disease processes like Diabetes, HTN, Depression, Metabolic Syndrome, Bipolar disorders, seasonal affective disorders, and other mental health issues.
The Circadian Rhythm can use positive and negative feedback loops to influence the expression of various genes that can affect signaling pathways, which in turn impact overall health.
The sleep wake cycle plays a key role in promoting healing and replenishing of our bodies. Our Brain is influenced by neuronal remodeling for synaptic function, memory consolidation, and regulation of complex motor functions. The reticular activating system in the brain works in tandem with the CR to control sleep wake cycles.
Zeitgebers are environmental cues that help regulate the circadian rhythm. Impulses are taken from physiological cues and behavioral cues (meal timing, sleep timing, and work schedule ) to impact the sleep wake cycle. Therefore, night shifts, late meal timing, and exposure to bright lights can all affect the sleep wake cycle.
This above discussion outlines the importance of our circadian rhythm for overall health and the role played in regulating hormone secretion, sleep and wake cycles, stress control, and many other areas of our physiology. As always, I pray that you will keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
