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Keeping in tune with the human circadian rhythm
Introduction to circadian rhythm[Top] The circadian rhythm is a twenty-four hour interior biological clock, which controls the daily activity cycles of living beings. This includes fungi, plants, and animals. The word circadian originates from the Latin word circa, meaning around or diem, meaning precisely one day. The rhythms are vital in determining the feeding and sleeping patterns of us all. Brainwave activities, cell regeneration, hormone production as well as additional biological activities are connected to this everyday cycle.
PRC and how light affects the biological clock[Top] Light rearranges the biological clock in harmony with the (PRC) phase response curve. The PRC is graph that shows the relationship between timing as well as the result of treatment intended to affect the rhythms. The light can proceed or light can advance or hold up the circadian system depending on timing. The PRC as well as the necessary illuminance differ amongst species. The lighting levels, which affect the rhythm in us, are more than the levels employed in artificial lights in homes. Some researchers say the light intensity that triggers the circadian cycle must be at least 1000 lux. The color or (wavelength) of light is also a factor. It is believed that the way light is directed might affect the circadian cycle. For example light that comes from above, has more effect than light, which enters our eyes from a low level.
Disruption to the rhythm[Top] Disruption to rhythms generally leads to a negative effect. Health problems connected to disturbance in the circadian system include DSPS (delayed sleep phase syndrome), seasonal affective disorder. Jet lag is a also a prime example of circadian disturbance. In the long term, disruption in the circadian system can have serious health consequences on any peripheral organs that are outside of the brain. The development of cardiovascular disease is a particular worry.
The melatonin hormone[Top] Melatonin is a hormone, which is found in humans and the majority of animals, as well as various other living organisms. Melatonin plays an essential part in regulating the circadian cycle. Melatonin is made via the pineal gland, a pea sized gland located in the brain center. Melatonin is also known as the hormone of darkness and DLMO (Dim-Light Melatonin Onset). The reason for this is Production of melatonin via your pineal gland is permitted by darkness as well as inhibited by light. The discharge of melatonin and its level in your blood comes to a peak during the middle of the night and steadily decreases through out the latter half of night.
Measuring the cycle[Top] The phase markers used for measuring timing of the circadian cycle are
For the temperature studies, it is necessary for people to remain awake, calm, as well as semi-reclined in semi darkness, while the rectal temperatures are continuously taken. The temperature of an adult human reaches its minimum temperature at around 5 a.m. Melatonin is not present in the system or at an undetectably low level during daytime. DLMO is detectable at around 9pm. It may be measured in saliva or the blood. Both DLMO as well as the midpoint( in time) of melatonin presence in the saliva or blood have been employed as circadian markers.
conclusion[Top] The circadian rhythm is a great example of how nature directly affects us and other living things around us. When our bodies are pushed to work past their natural rhythm it reduces our ability to recharge and renew. The vital role that nature plays in the healing process and our lives should not be dismissed.
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