It is now known that the molecular circadian clock can function within a single cell. At the same time, different cells may communicate with each other resulting in a synchronised output of electrical signaling.
Studies of circadian rhythms have turned up the following sometimes hard-to-believe information:
- If we were to live in total darkness, we would fall into a cycle of days that last up to 25 hours or longer.
- Heart attacks are twice as likely to occur between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. as between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Body temperature is lowest before waking up in the morning, and highest in the late afternoon. A temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit might indicate fever at 7 a.m., but by 5 p.m. would be normal.
- People react more strongly to substances they’re allergic to around 11 p.m., while antihistamine drugs have the greatest impact in the morning.
- Eating one meal a day of 2,000 calories results in a weight loss when eaten as breakfast, but produces a weight gain as supper.
- Suicides peak in the morning and early afternoon.
- The length of time a person sleeps is related more closely to body temperature rhythms and bedtime than to how long the person has been awake. In experiments, even after being awake more than 20 hours, people free of time cues slept twice as long when they went to bed when their temperature was at its highest (in early evening) than when it was at its lowest (in the early morning).
- The senses of hearing, taste and smell are more acute at certain times of day. Studies show sensory acuity is highest at 3 a.m., falls off rapidly to a low at 6 a.m., then rises to another peak between 5 and 7 p.m. (This cycle is related to the hormone cycle; when steroid hormones are released, sensory acuity falls.)
- Aspirin stays in the body longer when taken at 7 a.m. than when taken at 7 p.m.Body clocks are why doctors often prescribe taking medicines at certain times of day. For example, both aspirin and antihistamines work best taken in the morning. But some types of chemotherapy for cancer may be more effective and less toxic if administered at night.
- Women go into labor most often between 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. and least frequently about midday. Births between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. are associated with increased probability of complications in both the baby and the mother.
When you come to CHI you will learn about the raw live food lifestyle. Understanding Circadian Rythms is an important part of living a healthy, happy lifestyle. Please call us to find out more about our programs for 2012. We can be reached at 866.426.1213.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year, Bobby.
Robert Morgan is the Health Education Director at Creative Health Institute, located in Union City, Michigan. Robert is also a certified Naturopath, Master Herbalist and Master Raw Food Chef.
