Circadian Rhythms - Controlling the Rhythms of Life

Finding your rhythm

Women, more than any other group are affected by the daily and monthly cycles that control our energy and sleep. When our rhythms are in sync, life flows easily. We have more energy, and everyday tasks are easier to perform. When we're ‘in our rhythm,' we're more socially engaging and life is more satisfying. Athletes call this ‘Being in the zone, or having their game on.”

It turns out that ‘finding your rhythm,' is more than psychological. We each have a body clock that regulates how we feel and perform. These rhythms, called circadian rhythms, are the signals our body clocks produce, and they affect every aspect of our life. They tell us when to wake up, be active, sleep, how energetic to be. Even how we socialize and feel are affected by circadian rhythms.

In fact, these rhythms are so predictable, you can set your clock by them. That's where the term ‘body clock' comes from. Our body clocks have evolved to depend on the sun to function properly each day.

The problem for most of us though, is that our lifestyle has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. We no longer get up with the sun, and we stay up hours after dark. This plays havoc on our body clocks—they don't get the signals they need and so don't produce the right hormones during the day.

‘Out of whack' body clock

Our body clocks can easily malfunction, and this hormone imbalance can cause you to feel sluggish, lack energy and motivation. You may also have trouble sleeping or waking up at the right time. Medical journals report that depression is connected to circadian rhythm disorders.

Women's ailments are circadian related

Many of women's depressive disorders are directly related to circadian rhythm disorders. This is because our daily and monthly cycles depend on circadian rhythms to function properly. Since we depend so heavily on these rhythms, it's no wonder that we suffer from depressive disorders at twice the rate of men. Researchers have also discovered a link between circadian rhythms and the following disorders:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Depression (PMDD)
Prenatal Depression
Postpartum Depression
Menopause

Repairing your body clock

The discovery of circadian rhythms in the early 80's led to a new science called chronobiology. Since then, Apollo Health has been involved with the National Institute of Health (NIH) and leading research centers to find an answer for these disorders. In 1986, the NIH discovered that specialized type of bright light (about 20 times brighter than indoor light) could reset your body clock without harmful side effects. Apollo participated in those early multi-center studies, and since then we've discovered that specific bandwidths of light will suppress the withdrawal hormone, melatonin, while other bandwidths produce active hormones such as serotonin.

PMS and PMDD

This discovery is significant, because these hormones are linked to these disorders. For example, studies show that women suffering from PMS and PMMD not only have low levels of serotonin, but that their body clocks are running too fast. This releases the withdrawal hormone, melatonin, too early that depletes your serotonin reserves and causes sleep problems. Using this special light in the evening will slow the body clock back down and balance your natural serotonin levels.

Prenatal and Postpartum Depression

Researchers have also noted a strong connection between circadian rhythms and pregnancy related depressions. In this case, the specialized light is used in the morning time. News that morning bright light is helpful is important because anti-depressant medication is undesirable during pregnancy and nursing.

Menopause

As we mature, our body clocks also change. In addition to dealing with fluctuating hormones, our body clocks cycle too quickly, causing us to lose sleep and energy. Most women from pre-menopause on report that they awaken too early and feel run down earlier than normal. Using this special light in the evening will slow the body clock back down, allowing you to sleep better throughout the night and restore energy throughout the day.