When you adjust your daily life and activities to your circadian rhythm, you will be able to get the most out of yourself and your day. The circadian rhythm regulates much more than the sleep-wake rhythm. Researchers may have found a way to track and adjust to your circadian rhythm.
What is the Cricadian rhythm?
Each person maintains a personal 24-hour rhythm. This natural clock controls most of the basic physiological functions. The circadian rhythm controls all other biological clocks, because for ideal health these clocks must work together perfectly.
Your personal circadian rhythm might be better known as your chrono type. Differences between evening people and morning people require a different approach to get the most out of yourself and your day.
A disturbed circadian rhythm can present a myriad of challenges to everyday life. Some of the most common reasons for this disruption include travel that results in jet lag, getting too much rest, inconsistent sleep patterns, screen time too close to bedtime, and shift work. In addition, women may find that their circadian rhythm is disrupted just before the start of their monthly menstrual cycle.
Track your circadian rhythm with a smartwatch
Emerging research shows that the smartwatch can be an invaluable tool. In addition to counting steps, telling time and keeping you connected to everyone in your world, this handy electronic device can also be used to help you understand the ins and outs of your own personal circadian rhythm.
The smartwatch can work in this regard by using the data it collects about heart rate to provide valuable insight into how you can use your circadian rhythm to live optimally. A University of Michigan study helped develop an algorithm. This algorithm is used to collect data during a person’s waking period using a smartwatch, with the aim of shedding light on the workings of the body’s main clock.
With the result of the data obtained from the study, researchers have developed the Social Rhythms app for iPhone and Android. With this app you can upload your personal data and learn about changes in your internal master clock.
This information allows you to make better decisions about when to get the most out of exercise, the best time to eat for specific purposes, and help regulate sleep patterns.
Source: www.chronobiology.com
