Index IntroductionContextEffects on other biological processesDiseases that originate from unregulated circadian rhythmsConclusionIntroductionThe circadian rhythm is a biological tool that is part of almost all living organisms on Earth. Although every being experiences it differently, humans are unique in the sense that we use our day-night cycle. The circadian rhythm is responsible for our sleep cycle and how it is maintained. Using the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN, the brain creates this sort of internal clock that helps an organism control its bodily functions. Current studies are underway to better understand how it works and its connection to other bodily functions such as sleep and metabolism. Light is an important factor that plays an important role in the circadian rhythm not only in humans, but in all organisms. Melatonin is also a very important tool in this sense as it helps to reset this internal clock. Without this internal clock there would be no way to maintain body stasis and this would lead to serious health complications. Therefore, this is a crucial neurological function that is absolutely necessary to properly support oneself. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay BackgroundLight is a very powerful force that can influence various parts of life. One of its most important roles is to control our circadian rhythms. Humans are very unique in that we are some of the most insensitive organisms when it comes to light. However, this insensitivity is not affected by the fact that it affects the way humans sleep. When light is observed, it passes through the brain and causes repression of the posterior hypothalamus. The posterior hypothalamus is what helps in the secretion of melatonin, which is the biological chemical that the brain creates to aid our sleep cycles. When you see less light, much more melatonin is created and this causes the body to be more tired. In a more detailed explanation, light enters through the retinal glands and is dispersed in the form of ganglion cells. After this step they are then sent to the SCN, which is linear with its connection to the posterior hypothalamus. This then explains the process in which light and SCN are linked. With this set, scientists are able to find treatments for those who have difficulty with the circadian rhythm. It is crucial for the body to regulate its circadian rhythm every time as it may start leading to other health problems such as insomnia, diabetes, obesity. , and so on. Jet lag is a great example of what could happen whenever the body's internal clock temporarily goes awry. A person experiences the lethargic effects of jet lag when he has traveled across one or more time zones. Since a person's body is accustomed to the respective time zone, an adaptation period is necessary to maintain a healthy sleep stasis. Because the body is used to sleeping at different times, when it experiences this delay it has a harmful side effect that takes several days to get used to. Jet lag is not only associated with travel, but also with people who work shifts that alter their sleep patterns, such as doctors and nurses. These people also experience their own form of jet leg without needing to travel across time zones and the same effects apply. Effects on other biological processes This not only affects how humans sleep, but how the body metabolizes and processes food. Two genes (CLOCK and BMAL1) within the body's metabolism work together to connectcorrectly with the body's circadian rhythms. BMAL1 is used to kick-start your metabolism so your body is alert, hungry and essentially moving from the moment you wake up. In a study on mice, it was found that when these two genes or receptors were turned off, their biological systems went out of control. REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ were two cellular switches within these mice that were also related to their circadian rhythms. When these switches were turned off, the scientists noticed that the mice began to exercise when they should have been resting. They also noticed that fat and bile began to accumulate. This experiment was conducted to find the correlation between metabolic-related diseases and circadian rhythm. Their results supported the contention that both were related. As is known, the body does most of its work while at rest. When the circadian clock is compromised or altered in a negative way, it begins to affect the way the body functions. If the body does not rest enough, this could start to lead to lethargy and obesity in a person. Therefore, it is important to conduct a normal sleep schedule to maximize the usefulness of the metabolism. Diseases that originate from unregulated circadian rhythms The circadian rhythm is mainly determined by genetics; however, it is strongly influenced by use by organisms. For example, it must be calibrated every cycle for it to work properly. Most watches tend to run for about 24 hours per cycle, but not quite. The way the rhythms work is very easy to change and are adaptable to the person's lifestyle. However, this can be altered by certain factors such as scheduling issues with work, school or other social commitments. Diseases such as diabetes, insomnia, obesity can also lead to an imbalance in the circadian rhythm. An imbalance can also lead to these diseases. There are treatments to help prevent this from happening. It is important to adapt your program into the form that seems to be best. Light treatment is also used to shift the circadian rhythm to a more stable one. Light treatment is very effective, but is mainly used for extreme ailments and should only be done after being evaluated and treated by a medical professional. When a patient undergoes light treatment, they are simply shown bright lights at certain times of the day depending on the severity of their condition. For example, a person with an advanced sleep disorder would receive bright light treatment in the evening to further shift their circadian clock. A person suffering from a delayed sleep disorder would then receive treatment in the morning to turn the clock back. Again, these treatments are considered highly effective, but should only be performed after consulting a primary care physician. For less severe cases, treatment with melatonin is also an effective solution. Since the SCN produces melatonin, it is a harmless chemical produced by the body, and taking melatonin only produces more of it. Melatonin is then spread throughout the body to reset the clock and cause the user to tire faster. Another form of treatment could be to simply adjust your sleep schedule to a more appropriate time as this is often the main problem. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Overall, the Circadian rhythm is an important part of our.