Human Biological Clock…

juz wanna share….

-> After coming accross so many people who donot follow/ who go against the Biological Clock set by the nature, I was surprised if it really has any importance in our lifes. The biological clock (circadian rhythm) is a roughly-24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of plants and animals. The term “circadian” comes from the Latin circa, “around”, and dies, “day”, meaning literally “about a day.” Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including human beings. It seems that there are clear patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities linked to this daily cycle. But, the point which I was more interested in, was, how do irregular sleeping habits, which go against the biological timings, affect us.

The pattern of waking during the day when it is light and sleeping at night when it is dark is a natural part of human life. People who suffer from insomnia find sleep elusive for hours after their desired clock time. One distinguishing characteristic is that they have no problem sleeping…if they observe their own schedules. I am not sure if this state causes serious health problems down the line. But, experts say that if you are falling asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow; need an alarm clock to wake up; or feel the need for frequent naps during the day, it is very likely you are sleep deprived.

Sleep is regulated by two brain processes. One occurs naturally in response to how long we are awake; the longer we are awake, the stronger is the drive to sleep. The second process controls the timing of sleep and wakefulness during the day-night cycle. Timing is regulated by the circadian biological clock that is located in our brain. In addition to timing the sleep-wake cycle, the circadian clock regulates day-night cycles of most body functions, ensuring that the appropriate levels occur at night when you are sleeping. For example, important hormones are secreted, blood pressure is lowered and kidney functions change. Research even indicates that memory is consolidated during sleep.

I found few interesting observations which can be attributed to these “Night Owls”. Firstly, the affect of improper sleeping habits on our cognitive abilities. The biological clock that times and controls a person’s sleep/wake cycle will attempt to function according to a normal day/night schedule even when that person tries to change it. Those who work night shifts naturally feel sleepy when nighttime comes. A similar feeling that occurs during travel is known as jet lag. This conflict, set up by trying to be active during the brain’s biological nighttime, leads to a decrease in cognitive and motor skills. Sleep loss causes problems with memory and attention, complex thought, motor responses to stimuli, performance in school or on the job, controlling emotions and risks various physical and mental disorders.

Changes in daily habits such as a short night’s sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythms. In addition to the sleep disturbances associated with jet lag or shift work, sleep disorders can occur for many other known and unknown reasons. Other abnormalities also are often associated with various disease states, although again the importance of these rhythm abnormalities in the development (i.e., etiology) of the disease remains unknown. Lastly, given the irregularity in type and timing of meals, it is not surprising that these “Night Owls” are more likely to have a poorer diet. At night, the loss of appetite often leads to increased snacking on “junk” food rather than eating a full, well-balanced meal. Feelings of fatigue may encourage the consumption of beverages with caffeine (coffee, cola).

I hope this would throw some light on the vital function of our brain. We should know that there are some rules that we should not always break . Sleep on a set schedule to help establish a routine and to make sleep during the day easier. You may be able to stay “in sync” by keeping a consistent daily schedule.

credit to sounjanya…its a good article….