Circadian rhythm is the pattern that the body follows which is based on a 24-hour day. Circadian rhythm is also known as your body’s internal clock and it is this rhythm that tells your body when to sleep and when to wake up. Circadian rhythm not only impacts your sleep but also several other aspects of your body such as hormones digestion and body temperature.
Cleveland Clinic says that it’s like you have a tiny conductor inside your body, orchestrating a 24-hour symphony of biological processes. Your body sets your circadian rhythm naturally, guided by your brain. But there are several other factors that can affect this rhythm, one of them is shift work.
Shift work disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm which is designed to align with the with a regular day-night cycle. When you work in late night shifts or rotating shifts, it can impact this internal clock, thereby, making it harder for the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles. This eventually impacts hormone production and body temperature.
Here, take a look at the health risks caused due to disruption in circadian rhythm. Cardiovascular Problems Disruption in circadian rhythm can increase your blood pressure, inflammation and cause irregular heartbeats, thereby, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke. Metabolic Disorders When your circadian rhythm is impaired, it affects your insulin production and sensitivity.
This can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Sleep Disorders Irregular sle.
