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Tuesday 16 September 2014

Circadian Rhythm

Re-Timer.com: The body has an internal clock called a circadian rhythm, helping you to sleep in the evening and wake in the morning. Your sleep health and overall wellbeing is dependent on your circadian rhythm working correctly; and remaining synchronised with night and day.

The most important external indicator to help keep your body synchronised with this routine is light. When the eye senses light, it sends a signal to your brain to be awake. When it becomes dark in the evening, your body produces melatonin, often called the sleepy hormone signalling your body to sleep at night. The combination of biological processes in response to light and darkness are crucial factors for your body to remain synchronised and sleep at the right time. If you do not receive light at the right times due to the winter months or lifestyle factors, this can confuse your circadian rhythm leaving you unable to sleep when you need to.

If individuals try to sleep at a time that does not match their circadian rhythm then this can result in the following:

Poor sleep quality
Insufficient sleep duration
Sleepiness and fatigue
Impaired overall well-being in family and social life
Decreased motor and cognitive performance
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