circadian rhythm
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Circadian rhythms are biological cycles that repeat roughly every 24 hours, driving many physiological processes in the body. explains that our circadian rhythm is controlled by a "master clock" located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain. This clock governs our sleep-wake cycles and is primarily influenced by light exposure, making morning sunlight crucial for setting these rhythms 1 2 3.
Each of our cells follows a circadian cycle due to genes known as "clock genes." These genes cycle through expression and suppression to maintain a 24-hour rhythm in response to environmental light-dark cues 4. Beyond light, factors like mealtimes and exercise also impact these rhythms, although to a lesser extent than light, which remains the most potent zeitgeber, or time giver, for setting the internal clocks 5.
notes that deviations from the 24-hour cycle can accumulate, leading to misalignments with environmental cues, which can affect social behaviors and physiological functions. Thus, maintaining a regular schedule that includes exposure to natural light is essential for syncing our internal clocks with the external world 6.
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