Circadian Health Glossary
Circadian Misalignment
Circadian misalignment occurs when an individual’s internal circadian rhythms are out of sync with their external environment or daily schedule. This misalignment disrupts the natural timing of biological processes, such as sleep, hormone release, and metabolism.
Common Causes of Circadian Misalignment
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Shift Work: Irregular work hours disrupt the alignment of the circadian clock with the natural day-night cycle.
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Jet Lag: Rapid travel across time zones causes a mismatch between the body’s internal clock and the local time.
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Social Jet Lag: Waking up earlier than the body’s natural rhythm to meet work schedules, followed by staying up late and sleeping in on weekends, creates a misalignment between the body’s internal clock and weekday routines.
Why Is Circadian Misalignment Important?
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Health Risks: Prolonged misalignment can lead to sleep disorders, fatigue, cardiovascular problems, metabolic issues, and mental health challenges.
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Reduced Performance: Impairs cognitive function, focus, and productivity.
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Management: Techniques like light therapy, consistent schedules, and healthy sleep hygiene can help restore alignment.