Why is Your Circadian Rhythm Important
The following paragraphs summarize the work of circadian rhythms experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of circadian rhythms. Heed their advice to avoid any surprises while traveling.
If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
The old adage "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise" could offer a deeper insight than once thought. If you have ever woken up a minute before your alarm clock went off or randomly guessed the time and you were right in those moments your body's natural rhythms were in perfect harmony with your environment. The body circadian rhythms, commonly referred to as your biological clock, is a highly evolved system in the human body that does much more than just give you sense of the time. This natural rhythm is most important to understand in the modern day world as transportation technology now has the ability to dramatically alter the natural indicators that keep these rhythms in harmony.
The body's circadian rhythm is the control system that regulates when and how you get hungry, digest your food, produce urine and bowel movements, you regulate your blood pressure and body temperature. With so many critical bodily functions so closely intertwined to these rhythms you can begin to see why any disruption could create symptoms of illness. The crossing of multiple time zones when travelling creates a new environment that your body will be forced to synchronize all of these behaviors and functions to. This unhinging of your natural time tables and body cycles is what is then experienced as Jet Lag.
Originally evolved into the human body based on the light patterns of the day these natural rhythms are already under constant bombardment from many external factors in your everyday life. Artificial lighted environments can have a detrimental effect on these rhythms be creating false indicators that your body could misinterpret. With so many factors working against a healthy, stable, well regulated body cycle we should all do everything we can to hedge against these known external influences. Better preparing for trips or following best practices when sick can help alleviate additional symptoms that could be prevented.
Knowing enough about circadian rhythms to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about circadian rhythms, you should have nothing to worry about.
If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
The old adage "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise" could offer a deeper insight than once thought. If you have ever woken up a minute before your alarm clock went off or randomly guessed the time and you were right in those moments your body's natural rhythms were in perfect harmony with your environment. The body circadian rhythms, commonly referred to as your biological clock, is a highly evolved system in the human body that does much more than just give you sense of the time. This natural rhythm is most important to understand in the modern day world as transportation technology now has the ability to dramatically alter the natural indicators that keep these rhythms in harmony.
The body's circadian rhythm is the control system that regulates when and how you get hungry, digest your food, produce urine and bowel movements, you regulate your blood pressure and body temperature. With so many critical bodily functions so closely intertwined to these rhythms you can begin to see why any disruption could create symptoms of illness. The crossing of multiple time zones when travelling creates a new environment that your body will be forced to synchronize all of these behaviors and functions to. This unhinging of your natural time tables and body cycles is what is then experienced as Jet Lag.
Originally evolved into the human body based on the light patterns of the day these natural rhythms are already under constant bombardment from many external factors in your everyday life. Artificial lighted environments can have a detrimental effect on these rhythms be creating false indicators that your body could misinterpret. With so many factors working against a healthy, stable, well regulated body cycle we should all do everything we can to hedge against these known external influences. Better preparing for trips or following best practices when sick can help alleviate additional symptoms that could be prevented.
Knowing enough about circadian rhythms to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about circadian rhythms, you should have nothing to worry about.
