What is the Body Clock?

The body clock – or circadian rhythm as it is also known – refers to the natural, internal biological process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological and behavioural processes in living organisms, including humans. These processes follow a roughly 24-hour cycle and are driven by an internal “biological clock” located in the brain’s hypothalamus.

 

Circadian rhythms are influenced by various external factors, such as light and temperature, which can synchronise or disrupt the internal clock. When the circadian rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to various health problems, including sleep disorders, depression, and metabolic disorders.

 

The circadian rhythm affects many physiological processes, including hormone secretion, metabolism, and even gene expression. Understanding circadian rhythms has important implications for many fields, including medicine, biology, and psychology.