Pure Sleep

Circadian Rhythm: What Is It, and How Does It Function?

Have you ever been exhausted in the morning, wide awake in the middle of the night, or not hungry at the usual times you would be? These are signs that your circadian rhythm is out of balance.

Every human is hard-wired with an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which tells us when it is time to wake up, go to sleep, and eat.

Your circadian rhythm functions by taking cues from your environment such as daylight, darkness, and temperature change. These outside influences activate certain hormones to wake you up or make you drowsy, regulate your body temperature, appetite, and support your metabolism.

When the eyes capture light or darkness, cells in our brain start sending signals making us alert or drowsy, which activates certain biological functions.

Darkness triggers the pineal gland to secrete melatonin and tells the body it is time to sleep. When the sun rises, and you are exposed to light, your body produces cortisol to increase alertness.

Circadian_Rhythm_Graphic

Your metabolism and body temperature are also a part of your circadian rhythm. At night your body temperature drops and supports deep sleep. During the day your body temperature rises and reaches its highest point in the evening. Your appetite is also regulated by your sleep and wake rhythms. The rate at which you metabolize food fluctuates at different times in the day and night.

 

Circadian Rhythm Governs:

  • Sleep-wake cycle
  • Hormone release
  • Eating habits
  • Metabolism and digestion
  • Body temperature
  • And other bodily functions

The key to good health and maintaining steady energy throughout the day is to keep your rhythm in balance by getting to sleep and waking up at the same time. Health disorders can arise if your rhythm is thrown off for extended periods of time.

 

Causes For Imbalanced Circadian Rhythm:

  • Lack of exposure to sunlight
  • High stress
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Changing time zones from traveling
  • Jet lag
  • Misuse of drugs, alcohol
  • Consuming lots of caffeine
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Inconsistent eating habits

Disrupting your sleep and wake cycle or changing them often can result in exhaustion, mood disorders, mental fatigue, and weight gain. Your rhythm adjusts based on your work hours, physical activity, and other habits or lifestyle choices. Age also influences your circadian rhythm, and it changes throughout your life. Your circadian rhythm is unique to you; every individual has a slightly different internal clock. 

Balancing your natural rhythm will help you improve your health. Pure Sleep formulas are crafted with CBD + CBN and Melatonin to support your wellness and sleep quality. A natural tool to help you reset your sleep and wake cycle, Pure Sleep supports your natural rhythms so you can feel your best and improve your wellness!

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