Circadian Health Glossary
Chronobiology
Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms and how they are regulated by internal clocks in living organisms. It examines how these rhythms, such as the circadian rhythm, influence physiological processes like sleep, hormone production, metabolism, and behavior in alignment with environmental cycles like day and night.
Key Concepts in Chronobiology
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Circadian Rhythms: 24-hour cycles that regulate sleep-wake patterns, body temperature, and other essential functions.
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Zeitgebers: External cues, such as light and temperature, that synchronize internal clocks with the environment.
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Chronotypes: Individual variations in biological rhythms, influencing whether someone is a “morning lark” or a “night owl.”
Why Is Chronobiology Important?
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Health and Wellness: Understanding chronobiology helps optimize sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being.
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Light Therapy: Chronobiology underpins the use of light therapy to regulate circadian rhythms and treat disorders like jet lag and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
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Medical Applications: It informs treatments for circadian misalignments, such as shift work disorders or Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD).