Chronobiology

When we talk about the circadian rhythm, most people think about the brain. However, every organ has its own internal biological clock. The liver's innate 24-hour rhythm is especially important to your metabolism and even affects the central circadian clock in your brain. New studies suggest that the liver’s circadian clock may even regulate hunger, digestion and a variety of...

We spend around one-third of our lives sleeping. This is not wasted time. On the contrary, our bodies have a long list of tasks that can only be completed while our mind is resting and our body is still. Getting the right amount of sleep can give you a clearer mind, more energy, and even lower your risk of developing...

Who has time for breakfast? In the modern world, many people succumb to the morning rush and run out the door with empty stomachs. However, this can have a negative effect on health in a variety of ways. People who skip breakfast tend to have lower cognition and poorer memory. A new study suggests that skipping the most important meal...

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating autoimmune disease that can lead to joint pain and a host of other health issues. As with many autoimmune diseases, patients often have to try many therapies before finding one that works. Unfortunately, some never get total relief of debilitating symptoms. However, a new paper on chronotherapy and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that carefully timing medications...

All life on earth and each organ in our body follow circadian rhythms that revolve around the 24-hour light/dark cycle. Scientists are discovering more and more about the unique circadian rhythm of the skin. You are probably not aware that your skin follows its own circadian rhythm, but this cycle determines every action of your skin cells from the growth of...

What is life like when you cannot sleep well? People with circadian rhythm disorders know all too well. These types of sleep disorders can affect every aspect of a person's life and even have a crucial effect on the risk for serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Circadian Rhythm Disorders: More Than Insomnia While nearly everyone will suffer from...

Night shift work can make you very tired and interfere with your sleep cycles. Alarmingly, a growing body of research suggests that it can also contribute to heart disease. Anyone who has ever performed night shift work knows that it can have immense effects on your schedule as well as your general feelings of well-being. When you work the night...

Having trouble falling or staying asleep? The answer could lie in your kitchen. Foods that help you sleep contain sleep-promoting nutrients that can induce a natural, restful nights' sleep. If a survey were to be done asking individuals what they would like to do more of in a typical day, sleep would likely be one of the top answers. For...

Just being committed to a work out regime is satisfying. However, many still question whether circadian rhythms can influence results when deciding the best time to work out. Whether working out to increase strength and endurance, or to improve our overall quality of health, many of us want to get the most out of our efforts and question when the...

Melatonin plays an important role in regulating the circadian rhythm.  In addition, this hormone is showing promise as a treatment for a variety of health problems. Many people have heard of melatonin. It has become a popular supplement in recent years because of its important role in regulating the circadian rhythm. When people suffer from a melatonin deficiency, they may...