How your body clock affects your health

THE clocks were turned back one hour this week. And many people will find that their sleeping patterns are affected by this seasonal change. This is unfortunate as it will affect the body’s natural rhythm and the functioning of the 24 hour internal body clock–called the circadian rhythm–becomes out of sync with a normal day- night cycle.

When the body clock is functioning properly there is normal production of melatonin, a sleep hormone, to make you feel tired, telling your body that it’s time to rest. Then as you sleep it regulates the production of hormones and bodily functions. While you are sleeping your immune system will focus on fighting infections, healing, and inflammation. And in the morning triggers the release of cortisol to help you feel awake. When this happens everything is good.

But when the circadian rhythm is interrupted it can affect many different aspects of your health. You may have a weakened immune system, as well as disrupted digestion which can affect appetite. You may crave more sugary, carbohydrate foods the next day. It can affect your mood, not to mention your energy levels. Concentration, memory and daytime sleepiness is another problem.

This internal body clock is one of the most important aspects of our heath so it’s vital to re-adjust as soon as possible. It governs the sleep-wake cycle and disruptions to it can have a negative impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. If you sleep and wake at regular times then you are less likely to experience any disturbances. Getting your sleep routine back to normal is vital.

The seasonal time changes are not the only thing that affects the circadian rhythm. Shift work, jet lag, and sleeping in at the weekend can also cause problems. Other triggers are diet and too much sugar and caffeine. These will stimulate the release of cortisol during the night making it more difficult for you to remain asleep. Stress has a hugely negative impact on the circadian rhythm.

To help improve melatonin levels make sure your bedroom is dark. Foods that contain melatonin include asparagus, tomatoes, pomegranate, grapes, broccoli, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds as well as Cherry Active Concentrated Juice.

If you continue to have difficulty getting back to sleep try A.Vogel Dormeasan, so that seasonal changes won’t affect your internal body clock.