VOCABULARY:
circadian rhythm – n., our internal clock that keeps time by tracking light and darkness
biological – adj., relating to life or living things
rhythm – n., a regular pattern of movement or sound
protein – n., the building blocks of body tissue
hormones – n., chemical substances that act like messengers in the body
regulate – v., to control something
cluster – n., a group of things that are close together
hypothalamus – n., part of the brain that controls many bodily functions
genes – n., the basic units of heredity that carry your traits
organism – n., a living thing
sensitive – adj., showing a strong response to chemicals or other things in the environment.
blue light – n., the light that comes from sunlight and digital devices
miraculous – adj., something that is very surprising or lucky, like a miracle
Biological Clock Day is celebrated on April 28th. It’s a day to recognize the body’s natural ability to keep track of time, also known as the biological clock or circadian rhythm.
The biological clock is related to more than just aging.
For a start, both men and women have a biological clock, and all of this is celebrated by Biological Clock Day!
The biological clock acts as a sort of inner schedule by which a person lives that can often affect their behavior as well as their mood. Also known more formally as the ‘circadian rhythm’, this internal clock controls a sleep-wake pattern that fits in with the light and dark of a day according to the rhythms of the planet.
Proteins and hormones regulate the biological clock. Scientists are just now discovering exactly what makes us sleepy or wide-awake.
This internal clock is located in a tiny cluster of cells known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. Throughout the day, internal clock genes in the SCN send signals to control the activity throughout your body. The SCN is sensitive to light.
source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/circadian-rhythm
What is a biological clock?
- A biological clock is the body’s internal system that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other rhythms.
- It’s made up of proteins that are turned on and off by thousands of genes.
- A master clock coordinates all the biological clocks in the body.
- The biological clock keeps working even when an organism is not exposed to natural light.
How can you support your biological clock?
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Avoid naps that make it hard to fall asleep at night.
- Stop eating and exercising a few hours before bed.
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine before bed.
- Wear glasses that block blue light.
Biological Clock Day was established to celebrate the natural rhythms of the body and show appreciation for the miraculous way the human body is formed. The day is meant to raise awareness for the need that people have to pay more attention to what their bodies and brains are telling them.
source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/biological-clock-day/
