A circadian rhythm is an internal-generated 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings that is heavily influenced by external sources like sunlight and temperature. That’s a long explanation to say that our circadian rhythms (we have over 100 each) are the schedules that the seemingly innate body functions (like blood pressure, heart rate, hormone levels, etc.) follow. Your circadian rhythms dictate your energy levels and moods throughout the day based on your eating schedule, sensitivity to sound, light, temperature and a host of other things. It’s really fascinating especially since my inner night owl has long battled the early bird work schedule I must follow on certain days.

The blog, Your Natural Health, put it best in a recent post. It gets a little scientific but I liked this section:

“Although most commonly associated with humans and their sleep patterns, circadian rhythm also has a direct influence on our blood pressure, our body temperature and our body’s production of hormones. Together these internal changes tell our bodies when it is time to sleep and to wake and how our moods will be at any given time.

“When it comes to sleep, the following is a simplistic overview of how the circadian rhythm works. At the first sign of daylight, the body begins to produce hormones and neurotransmitters including serotonin and cortisol. These help the body transition into an awakened mode by increasing body temperature and blood pressure. Likewise, as daylight fades, the body begins to release melatonin, the main signal that tells the body to begin lowering blood pressure and to prepare itself for sleep.

When the body’s circadian rhythm is in balance, it dictates the proper timing and release of these important chemicals, hormones and neurotransmitters. However, when the body’s circadian rhythm is ‘off’ this timing and release is knocked out of balance. A prolonged imbalance can and often does lead to the development of a number of sleep disorders and emotional disturbances. It would seem then that being healthy and happy is all about keeping your circadian rhythm in check.”


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