The bodies internal systems follow a circadian rhythm which synchronise with the master clock, which is governed by the Hypothalamus and suprachiasmatic nucleus. This regulates organs and the hormone activity throughout the body which are critical to maintenance of our wellbeing and mental health.
The master clock is influenced by environmental factors and light is important for supporting the day and night cycle.
How is Day and Night Cycle affected by stress?
The day night cycle should be aligned with our circadian rhythm and when it is it promotes consistent and restorative sleep. If a person is stressed, or unable to care for their wellbeing, this will throw the circadian rhythm off course and have a detrimental impact on sleep.
Sleep Problems
Impact wellness and result in sleep problems that may also result in insomnia. It has been well evidenced that our circadian rhythms play an integral role in all aspects of our spiritual, physical and mental health.
This cycle is important for bodies the rhythmic sleep-wake cycle. Support your Circadian Rhythm and support your organs and hormones back to health
Some of Hormones that contribute to Endocrine Health
The digestive system is often the first place we notice this as it produces digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes support health e.g with set meal times, as the endocrine system is a significant system which regulates hormones and energy expenditure.
- Cortisol: a key hormone produced by the adrenal glands which regulates blood sugar and the bodies metabolism. When Cortisol is affected by the Circadian Rhythm being out of sorts, it causes the body internal organs to feel stressed. This is why it is know as the ‘stress hormone’ so during periods of stress it can result in shutting down the digestion and reproduction systems particularly if our body internal organs are in fight or flight mode as the mind finds the situation stressful or can feel under threat.
- Oestrogen: one of the key hormones that regulates sexual arousals and a major hormone for women. Men do produce Oestrogen, but in smaller quantities. For both Oestrogen is important as it regulates and governs cholesterol and bone levels and organ health.
For women, Oestrogen is also responsible for :- Regulating the menstrual cycle – in early adolescence and again during peri and menopause as women produce more of this hormone.
- it supports bones, the heart and is a mood regulator
- Insulin: is produced in the pancreas and helps our muscles absorb glucose. Insulin also works as a blood sugar dissolver and a key hormone so needs careful regulation.
- Progesterone: is present for women, ( men do have progesterone but far less)l. For women, progesterone is a crucial hormone in supporting the early stages of pregnancy and governs period flow. For men, progesterone is responsible for balancing Oestrogen and fertility.
- Testosterone: is responsible for regulating sexual hormones in men. Women possess this too but smaller quantities unless they’re is a hormone imbalance which if often noticed by the over production hair. For men, testosterone is key for supporting physical changes such as genital growth, body hair, voice, and muscles development, In women, testosterone also helps the reproductive tissue and overall bone health.
The circadian rhythms can affect these hormones so it is important to understand how to support key organs as these they may be affected when the Circadian clock is out of kilter.
You may wish to ask guidance on what you can do to do if you are concerned or this post calls and take action for maintaining your wellbeing .
The Hypothalamus – also know as our master clock, can be referred to as the circadian pacemaker, located in the brain. It is found in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
The Master Clock – Hypothalamus
The Hypothalamus send signals to suprachiasmatic nucleus which regulates key organ activity throughout the body and is therefore vital for maintaining wellbeing.
The SCN is also highly sensitive to light, and serves as a critical external cue that influences the signals sent by the SCN.
It coordinates the internal clocks for the body,and is linked to the circadian rhythm which is connected to the day and night cycle. Other cues, such as exercise, social activity, body temperature, also affect the master clock, and light has the most powerful influence on the circadian rhythm.
As night begins to set in, the master clock begins the production of melatonin the hormone which is responsible for promoting restful sleep (provided we are eating well and maintaining wellbeing ). Melatonin is also key for transmitting signals to the brain to help us have a restful sleep through the night.
What Does Circadian Rhythm Affect Besides Sleep?
New Research has become significant to help us understand more about the circadian rhythms, and from this, we have learnt, that sleep and the Circadian Rhythm cycle has an direct impact on metabolism, weight, the regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol, mental health, psychologically wellbeing such as depression, bipolar disorders as well as the many neurodegenerative dis-eases such as dementia.
These tell us how important the Circadian rhythms on the immune system which is our best defence to fight off illness and prevent many dis-eases. And it also helps repair DNAin the prevention of Cancers which arise if the body is compromised or failing to repair .
Sleep MOT –
Avoid Caffeine after 7pm
Reduce the use of EMF and electronic devices in the bedroom
Go to bed by 10pm
Take more sunlight during the day
Eat Well
Take regular exercise – 5 times a week
Get in touch if you feel you may need expert help to make the changes that will help you promote a better day/ night cycle and enhance your holistic wellbeing.
