Do our work habits affect our circadian rhythm? Doctor answers | Health

The way we work and the hours we keep have a huge impact on our sleep patterns. Healthy sleep is extremely important for the proper, healthy functioning of the body. Healthy sleep helps in recharging and rejuvenating the body for physical tasks. Sleep also has a psychological impact on the body – good sleep helps us feel better and happier. It helps in improving mood and increasing creativity and productivity. However, our working patterns and hours can have a serious impact on our sleep routine.

The effect of sunlight on the body’s circadian rhythm:

Dr. Samatha Tulla, an internal medicine physician, explained how sunlight affects the body’s circadian rhythm in a podcast episode with Murali Mastaru. Dr. Samatha Tulla explained that since the dawn of time, humans have been working with the sun – the sun helps maintain the body’s circadian rhythm. People ate and did physical work with the help of sunlight, and after sunset, due to the lack of artificial light, they fell asleep. As such, the body is trained to be in sync with the sun. However, with the recent changes in working hours, where people work in different time zones, people may not be getting enough sleep at night. This causes the body’s circadian rhythm to get disrupted.

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How to improve melatonin production?

Dr. Samatha Tulla explained that melatonin is a natural hormone that helps in improving sleep patterns. However, the production of melatonin can be disrupted due to the blue light emitted by the screen or the use of gadgets just before falling asleep. Eating just before bed can also affect the production of melatonin. When the body is deficient in magnesium – it can affect the production of melatonin and disrupt the sleep cycle. The doctor further explained that melatonin is not just a sleep-inducing hormone but also an antioxidant that is full of benefits for the body.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek medical advice with any questions you may have regarding your health.