Our circadian rhythms, or internal clocks, control many vital biological processes such as sleep, cell cycles and even healing. However, new evidence suggests that circadian rhythms may also be a major player in seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder is similar in symptoms to depression. In addition, sufferers […]
Photon Project Leads Study of Effects of Natural Light Exposure
Alzheimer’s. Diabetes. Parkinson’s disease. Have you ever wondered whether one factor is the cause of all these maladies? Well, it just may be circadian rhythm disruption. Researchers have found that with today’s lifestyles of working long hours inside buildings and coming home to sit in front of the television, the lack of access to natural […]
The Science of Chronobiology Sheds Light on Treatments for Sleeping Disorders in Alzheimer’s
Individuals affected with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit a marked disruption of normal circadian patterns. These are most noticeable as disruptions of sleep. Many individuals in the early stages of dementia become unable to sleep at night. As a consequence, they may be drowsy during the day. Some become very agitated and restless in the early evening […]
How Chronobiology Is Impacting Alzheimer’s and Dementia Treatment
Chronobiology: A Breakthrough Science Chronobiology studies the internal clocks we each have and need to regulate important processes such as cell division, skin proliferation and melatonin production, to name a few. To begin appreciating chronobiology, think of your own basic rhythms. The time of day optimal to study a new subject, for instance, may be upon awakening […]
Circadian Rhythm Confusion and Resetting Our Internal Clocks
The Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Our bodies are run by a circadian rhythm, an internal clock consisting of 24-hour cycles. This intuitive mechanism governs a variety of processes from sleep to the body’s metabolism. It is affected by environmental elements, such as sunlight and temperature. Scientists have also been studying the effects of the moon on […]
