✍️ Author: Dr Eleni Christoforidou
🕒 Approximate reading time: 5 minutes
Our bodies operate on a biological clock that synchronises with the Earth's 24-hour cycle. This intrinsic timekeeper, known as the circadian rhythm, influences not only our sleep-wake cycles but also various bodily functions. But how does it relate to our brain's health and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases?
Before diving deep, it's essential to understand that circadian rhythms are natural, internal processes regulating the sleep-wake cycle. They repeat roughly every 24 hours and respond primarily to light and darkness in the environment.
Brain Activity: Circadian rhythms modulate various aspects of cognition, including attention, decision-making, and memory.
Hormone Production: Melatonin, a hormone closely linked with sleep, is governed by these rhythms. Proper melatonin secretion supports restorative sleep, crucial for brain health.
Cell Repair and Regeneration: During sleep, there's an uptick in cell repair and waste removal in the brain, an essential process for maintaining brain health.
Recent research has highlighted the potential consequences of circadian rhythm disturbances:
Memory Impairment: Irregular rhythms can affect the hippocampus, a region vital for memory, potentially leading to cognitive decline.
Neurochemical Changes: Chronic disruption can alter neurotransmitter levels, potentially affecting mood and cognitive function.
Increased Risk: Studies have shown links between circadian rhythm disruptions and heightened risks for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Artificial Lighting: Extended exposure to artificial lights, especially blue light from screens, can throw off our natural rhythms.
Irregular Schedules: Shift work, frequent travel across time zones, or irregular sleeping habits can disrupt our internal clocks.
Dietary Choices: Eating at irregular hours can also influence our circadian rhythms, affecting both digestion and sleep patterns.
Regular Sleep Schedules: Going to bed and waking up at the same time supports the body's internal clock.
Mindful Exposure to Light: Limit screen time in the evening and get plenty of natural sunlight during the day.
Diet and Nutrition: Eating meals at consistent times and ensuring a balanced diet can assist in regulating circadian rhythms.
While the link between circadian rhythms and neurodegeneration is still a developing field, it's evident that maintaining a consistent biological clock is integral for brain health. As we continue to understand these intricate relationships, it underscores the importance of a harmonised lifestyle with the natural world.