We all have a biological clock. This has been proven even for people who don't see the light of day for several weeks. The body follows a pattern where in about 24 hours the cycle repeats itself.
Living organisms evolved an internal biological clock, called the Circadian rhythm, to help their bodies adapt to the daily cycle of day and night (light and dark) as the Earth rotates every 24 hours. The term 'circadian' comes from the Latin words for about (circa) a day (diem).
What are circadian rhythms?
Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a roughly 24 hour cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness. They are found in most living things (animals, plants and many tiny microbes.) The study of circadian rhythms is called chronobiology.
Yes. Circadian rhythms are important in determining human sleep patterns. The body’s master clock, or SCN, controls the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. Since it is located just above the optic nerves, which relay information from the eyes to the brain, the SCN receives information about incoming light. When there is less light—like at night, the SNC tells the brain to make more melatonin so you get drowsy.
Circadian rhythm disorders can be caused by many factors, including: shift work - pregnancy - timezone changes - medications - changes in routine. They are treated based on the kind of disorder diagnosed. the goal of the treatment is to fit a person's sleep pattern into a schedule that can allow them to meet the demands of a desired lifestyle.
The following website defines the Time of our Lives extremely well, I recommend to check it out:
For the best documentary on time as a phenomenon watch Michio Kaku's series:
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