Circadian Rhythm

• By vishwa on Health

• May 12, 2014

The circadian rhythm is often referred to as the “body clock.” The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that tells our bodies when to sleep and regulates many other physiological processes. This internal body clock is affected by environmental cues, like sunlight and temperature. For example, if you stay awake for a long period of time the circadian rhythm/biological clock tells us that a need for sleep is accumulating and that it is time to sleep.

On a similar note, it is understood and well known that a night sleeps is good for the rejuvenation of the body. Moreover, many of the fitness authors insist on the importance of a good night’s sleep. Also, Frank Forencich in his must read book titled Change your body Change the World: Reflections on Health and Human Predicament further explores into the mechanics of sleep. He states that tissue repair peaks between midnight and 4 am. Likewise, heart efficiency, muscle strength and flexibility are all highest between 4 and 8 pm. I firmly endorse his views when he says that strength and flexibility peaks in the evening. I have personally experienced this while working out at the gym. I vividly remember that my personal best lifts were always in the evening; also that I enjoyed a greater degree of suppleness in the evenings. He further adds that logical reasoning and alertness are at their lowest between 4 and 6 am. Yes, it is indeed true. For example, at 5 30 am in the early morning when I take my dog for a walk I have many times felt sluggish both mentally and physically.

What is the take home message? Learn to respect your body; thereby, heeding to the body clock. It might sound corny, but, nonetheless, prevention is always better than cure.