Biological clock regulates the sleep cycle

• April 26, 2024

The cells of the brain they form human biological clock , which plays a fundamental role in the regulation of sleep cycle .

The investigatorRaúl Antonio Aguilar Roblero, with the support of International Cooperation Fund for Science and Technology Mexico-European Union (FONCICYT), conducted a study with which he demonstrated that cells of the brain they communicate with Electric impulses , and the deposits of calcium they open and close throughout 24 hours.

This will seek to study cures for sleep disorders related to rhythms circadians ; for example, for people who can not sleep early or who can not stay awake very late.

Each person has their own circadian cycle which determines the time to get up and go to bed, as well as the moments of greatest lucidity throughout the day.

The circadian cycle it is repeated every 24 hours and during this time the biological rhythms of people, in such a way that if there is a schedule mismatch it causes disorders as headache , irritability Y sleep disorders .

Thus, all beings have variations in their functions, both in their biochemical, behavioral or physical variables that will be repeated periodically.

The neurological mechanisms that regulate circadian cycle , or biological clock , are in the cerebral hypothalamus and are regulated by a light-sensitive substance calledmelatonin, produced in the cerebellum .

This explains the phenomenon calledjet lag (imbalance produced between the internal clock of a person, and the new schedule that is established when traveling long distances) that after modifying the time zones in a short period of time, produces a mismatch in the circadian cycle , causing discomfort in the body.

One way to minimize jet lag is to adapt to the local time and eat after the appropriate meals. Also, exposure to sunlight during the day is useful.

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Video Medicine: Circadian Rhythms and Your Health Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital (April 2024).