Question 1

can you change your circadian rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Circadian rhythms are both set by internal molecular clocks as well as responsive to environmental forces, the most powerful being light in the case of the sleep-wake cycle. This is one reason why some peoples normal clock may get delayed. Some individuals are more sensitive to adjustments and others more difficult. Be careful to adjust your rhythm on your own. Get advice from a sleep doctor.

Question 2

are circadian rhythm disorders hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Circadian rhythm: Good question.  The short and long answer is yes.  Advanced sleep phase and delayed have a well-established genetic link.  The other circadian disturbances are not so well established (free running type or irregular sleep/wake schedule.

Question 3

is there blood tests to test my circadian rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Not yet: Most circadian rhythm testing is based on levels of melatonin in the body. These tests are usually only performed in research laboratories and not in your doctors office.  Sometimes questionnaires and a form of sleep wake monitoring called actigraphy is helpful in determining an individuals general circadian rhythm.

Question 4

how much sleep can you lose without throwing off your circadian rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Sleep and circadian: Circadian rhythm is about light/dark timing and the 24 cycle that human beings use to entrain this system.  If sleep restriction is thrown in to compound this issue, can create some issues.  In general somewhere as little as 4 hours and as much as 12 hours can throw off our usual cycle depending on when this change occurs.  For example waking up 3am (usually dark) and then expecting bedtime 11pm.

Question 5

what is the healthiest time to wake up and go to sleep based on circadian rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Routine: I don't think it matters as long as you have a regular bedtime and are sleeping well. You should wake up the same time every day even on weekends. Hopefully you are not disturbed during sleep by children, friends, noise etc. Not a good idea to have a tv in the bedroom. Not a good idea to read in bed. Young people need 8 to 9 hours of sleep every day.

Question 6

how can i use temperature to control my circadian rhythm? i read that controlling the temperature of the suprachiasmatic nucleus controls it as well.

Accepted Answer

Core temperature: temperature is maximum in the early evening and miminal in the early morning to range of almost 1 degree C.  This requires an in depth answer, there's some interesting work by Kurt Krauchi.

Question 7

explain the circadian rhythm.?

Accepted Answer

Circadian rhythm: Circadian rhythm refers to a natural physiologic cycle in which certain processes ebb and flow in a predictable pattern over the day. In humans the basic cycle is tied to the sun with sleeping at night and activity during the day. But there are other cycles. For example, your lung airways naturally get tighter at night (4 am) and that is why asthma patients often get their first symptoms at night.

Question 8

what will make your circadian rhythm be off?

Accepted Answer

Long distance travel: Across numerous time zones. Or rarely from a pituitary tumor. These two examples are assuming that your circadian rhythm was working normally in the first place. Many people have an abnormal circadian rhythm, for totally unknown reasons causing them to produce more urine by night than during the day. This causes bedwetting in some subjects.

Question 9

why our circadian rhythm changes its pattern sometimes?

Accepted Answer

See below: By definition, a circadian rhythm can be adjusted/reset by external stimuli.  The best example of this is changing of our sleep schedules after overseas trips.

Question 10

what would you suggest i do to correct my circadian rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Habit: Circadian rhythm is a natural inborn function so if it is off it is usually because you got in a habit that got it off....So get in a new habit or routine. Waking regularly, eating regularly, going to bed regularly. Meditation can help as well as it relaxes the body. Acupuncture also can help by helping to restore balance to the body's functions.

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Can you change your circadian rhythm?

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How much sleep can you lose without throwing off your circadian rhythm?

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What is the healthiest time to wake up and go to sleep based on circadian rhythm?

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How can i use temperature to control my circadian rhythm? i read that controlling the temperature of the suprachiasmatic nucleus controls it as well.

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Explain the circadian rhythm.?

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What will make your circadian rhythm be off?

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Why our circadian rhythm changes its pattern sometimes?

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What would you suggest i do to correct my circadian rhythm?

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