Understanding the Body’s Rhythms Helps Chronic Health Conditions

Medical chronobiology is a relatively new field that studies the impact biologic rhythms and patterns have on human disease. Researchers believe that harnessing chronobiology, through so-called circadian medicine, can lead to stress reduction, weight loss, and improved health and well-being.

The circadian rhythm, a biological clock that regulates our 24-hour cycle, is an essential part of long-term health outcomes. When circadian rhythm is impaired, it can have serious health effects. A poor sleep and dietary schedule has been tied to an increase in obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Correcting a poor sleeping and eating schedule may be nearly impossible for some. Social jet lag—when social life, as well as school, work, and family, interrupts circadian rhythm—may lead to an increase in chronic disease. The irregular hours of shift work can inhibit natural eating and sleeping patterns. Some people’s natural rhythm is to stay up late and sleep by day. The inability to match natural bodily patterns with normal day-to-day routines has the potential to put unnecessary stress on individuals by preventing rhythms from functioning naturally.

Working alongside the field of functional medicine, medical chronobiology research suggests that our natural patterns be taken into consideration when developing treatment strategies for patients of numerous non-communicable diseases. The simple acts of taking medicine at more optimal times, engaging in light therapy for just 20 minutes a day, eating meals catered toward metabolism, and even exercising at specific times of the day are potential clinical applications of chronobiology.