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 […]
Chronobiology, Circadian Rhythms and the Science of Sleep
Sleep should be a natural human activity, done without thought and without difficulty. However, many people have problems with their sleep patterns that affect their ability to function effectively during the day. Scientists are beginning to study these problems closely to determine ways to correct them and ensure that people benefit from each night’s rest. […]
How Chronobiology is Affecting Cancer Treatment
Scientists are just beginning to understand the human brain’s relationship with time. We have known for decades that the body runs on circadian rhythms, with cycles repeating themselves every 24-hours. Our body actually runs on several different clocks, with cell growth, hormone release and other daily activities wired to a cycle based on sleep, levels […]
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 […]