Most people are familiar with the term “circadian rhythm.” This is the name for the body’s internal clock, which regulates many different functions, including sleep, hormone production, and digestion. The circadian rhythm is usually in sync with the 24-hour day/night cycle, but a few things can disrupt it. This blog post will explore four factors that can change your body’s internal clock. We will also provide tips on how to keep your circadian rhythms balanced.
Overnight and Work Shifts With Erratic Hours
One of the most common ways that our circadian rhythms can become unbalanced is by working overnight or shifts with erratic hours. When we are sleep deprived, our bodies have a more challenging time regulating all of the different functions that rely on a balanced internal clock. This can lead to several different health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Setting a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time every day can reduce the risk of these health problems.
Jet Lag
Did you know that something as simple as crossing time zones can also be thrown off our internal clocks? This is because the body’s circadian rhythm is still synchronized to the local time, even when we travel to a different time zone. As a result, we may experience jet lag, which can cause fatigue, insomnia, and other symptoms. To reduce the effects of jet lag, it is essential to gradually adjust to the new time zone by resetting your sleep schedule a few days before you travel.
Medications
In some cases, the medications that we take can also disrupt our circadian rhythms. For example, certain types of antidepressants and antipsychotics can cause insomnia. If you are taking medication affecting your sleep, talk to your doctor about other options. As a matter of fact, many medications can have an effect on our circadian rhythms, so it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about potential side effects before starting any new medication.
Light Exposure
Finally, light exposure can also play a role in our circadian rhythms. The body uses light cues to help regulate the internal clock, so exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm. This is also why getting enough natural light during the day is essential. To reduce the effects of artificial light at night, try to avoid screens for a few hours before bed and ensure that your bedroom is dark when you sleep.
All of these factors – working overnight or shifts with erratic hours, jet lag, medications, and light exposure – can disrupt our circadian rhythms. To keep your circadian rhythms balanced, setting a regular sleep schedule and getting enough natural light during the day are essential. You can also talk to your doctor about medications that may be affecting your sleep.…