Circadian Rhythms
Circadian Rhythms is an approximate daily periodicity, a roughly-24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological or behavioural processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria.
The term "circadian", coined by Franz Halberg, comes from the Latin circa "around", and diem or dies, "day", meaning literally "approximately one day."
The formal study of biological temporal rhythms such as daily, tidal, weekly, seasonal, and annual rhythms, is called chronobiology.
Circadian rhythms can be trained by external cues. The primary one is daylight. These rhythms allow organisms to anticipate and prepare for precise and regular environmental changes.
The body's circadian rhythms or circadian "clock" in humans is located mainly in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is a group of cells located in the hypothalamus (a portion of the brain). Circadian rhythms are important in determining human sleeping patterns and providing a sleep/wake cycle that allows us to rest, rejuvenate, repair and then re-energize
The natural dimming of sunset triggers our bodies to produce melatonin which causes drowsiness and sleep. Increasing sunrise light instructs the body to stop the production of melatonin and thus a wakeful, energized feeling ensues. Ordinary indoor lighting, indoor living, late night studying, shift work can disrupt the natural signals making it more difficult to enjoy a good night’s sleep which is critical to good health and vitality.
Studies show that dawn dusk simulators can help maintain these natural cycles and thus overall wellness, mental acuity and energy.
Please see the references below for further information.
Human Circadian Rhythms with short wave length
Center for Chronology, School of Biomedical and Life Science
Neuroscience Letters, Volume 342, Issues 1-2, 15 May 2003, Pages 37-40
Victoria L. Warman, Derk-Jan Dijk, Guy R. Warman, Josephine Arendt, Debra J. Skene
- Circadian Adaption in Night Shift
Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 6, Issue 5, October 2002, Pages 407-420
Helen J. Burgess, Katherine M. Sharkey and
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