By healthiergang writer , student in Physiotherapy.
What is the Circadian Rhythm?
The circadian rhythm is a kind of biological clock whose period is 24 hours. This means that certain conditions in our body are repeated periodically every day over the course of 24 hours. An example of a circadian rhythm is the sleep-wake rhythm, a periodic condition that repeats itself every day.
It is as if the human body had developed a sort of biological clock on the basis of which it secretes certain hormones and other substances capable of influencing both our physical abilities and our sensations. The circadian rhythm is not the only "biological clock" that has been highlighted. There are other rhythms whose period is one week, monthly or even yearly.
The circadian clock is a complex endogenous system regulated by multiple factors and based on external stimuli. For example, the sleep-wake rhythm is regulated based on the light and temperature of the environment (as well as other factors).
It has been verified that in the absence of external stimuli these rhythms are maintained but tend to settle over different periods.
For example, the sleep-wake rhythm expands up to a period of 36 hours while the one that regulates the temperature tends to settle at 25 hours. The circadian rhythm is not a prerogative of the human being but it is something that also characterizes other animals and even plants.
Where did it come from?
There are numerous hypotheses that attempt to explain where the establishment of this internal clock originated from. Some hypotheses hold that this rhythm developed to protect the delicate DNA replication processes from ultraviolet radiation.
In fact, UV rays represent risk factors capable of causing mutations and therefore errors in DNA replication with consequent anomalies in the transcription and translation of RNA. These processes are at the basis of the synthesis of the biological compounds that eukaryotic cells need.
Consequently, it is as if the cells have implemented some sort of self-defense mechanism that concentrates these important biological processes in periods of absence of light. Experiments were also conducted on prokaryotic cells but these produced results that suggest an independent origin of these rhythms between the two different cell types.
Rhythm Sleep Waking
The sleep-wake rhythm is a fundamental component of the life of any animal. This is mostly regulated by light stimuli. This process controls the production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters that directly regulate brain activity. The system underlying the regulation of this rhythm is finely controlled in mammals by a group of cells located in a region of the hypothalamus.
More precisely, it is an area located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus composed of groups of neurons, hormones, neurotransmitters and other molecules of biological importance. These substances allow the suprachiasmatic nucleus to interact with other parts of the brain.
This group of neurons in turn receives information from the retina. This part of the eye can be considered as an everted telencephalon (a part of the brain facing outwards) and is able to interact directly with the hypothalamus via some photosensitive cells.
These cells are in fact contained in the retina and contain a pigment, called melanopsin, capable of reacting in the presence of light stimuli. The retina therefore sends information to the suprachiasmatic nucleus which sends it to the epiphysis (pineal gland) which secretes melatonin. Some studies have shown that by removing this group of neurons, the sleep-wake rhythm is not present.
The biological clock
It was initially said that the circadian rhythm is capable of influencing the condition of the body and also its performance. More precisely, in the human being, the following conditions were highlighted at the following hours:
- 14:30, there is the greatest capacity for coordination
- 15:30, you get the fastest reaction time
- 17:00, there is the greatest efficiency in the cardiovascular system and muscle strength
- 18:30, maximum blood pressure value
- 19:00, there is a maximum in body temperature
- 21:00, melatonin production begins
- 22:30, inhibition of intestinal peristalsis
- 2:00, sleep reaches its maximum depth
- 4:30, minimum body temperature
- 6:45, a rapid rise in blood pressure occurs
- 7:30, melatonin production stops
- 8:30, stimulation of intestinal peristalsis
- 9:00, maximum testosterone production
- 10:00, increased state of alert
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you are concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or making major changes to your diet.
