Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Circadian rhythm is the fluctuation of sleep-wake states. This fluctuation is generally linked to the 24-hour, daily dark/light cycle. Circadian Rhythm Disruption occurs when a person’s work schedule conflicts with their biological clock. Many of these individuals have difficulty sleeping during the day and staying alert on the job at night. This often results in chronic sleep loss.
Symptoms include:
- Memory or concentration difficulties
- Impaired job performance
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Menstrual irregularities
- Colds and flu
Your circadian rhythm is basically a 24-hour clock that is running in the background of your like an app and cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. It’s also known as your sleep/wake cycle. A part of your hypothalamus (a portion of your brain) controls your circadian rhythm
The important feature of circadian rhythm disorders is an occasional disruption of sleep patterns. The disruption results from either a malfunction in the internal body clock or a mismatch between the internal body clock and the external environment regarding the timing and duration of sleep. As a result of the circadian mismatch, individuals with these disorders usually complain of insomnia at certain times and excessive sleepiness at other times of the day, resulting in work, school, or social impairment.
