The body’s circadian rhythm is established by light exposure, which also aids in controlling several physiological processes.
For the body to continue performing its activities, light exposure is necessary. In addition to helping the body regulate blood pressure, body temperature, and chemical reactions, light also tells the body when to wake up and when to eat.
Resetting the circadian rhythm:
An article in The Conversation claims that light aids in establishing the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock. It is a system of proteins and genes that work together to regulate one another. The 24-hour regularity of this loop aids in preserving healthy body functions.
Every cell in the body has its own internal clock, and the hypothalamus region of the brain contains the body’s central clock. Together, these clocks adjust to the daily cycle of light and dark.
It must be restarted each morning due to the internal clock’s impreciseness. For this reason, being exposed to light resets the clock for the entire day.
Effect of light on sleep:
Melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, is produced by the body. The body stops producing this hormone when it’s bright outdoors. Closer to bedtime, it produces the hormone which can help us fall asleep. Sleep is also partially controlled by the genes that are part of the internal clock. These genes influence our sleeping patterns.
When the body is exposed to light at night, especially when we should be sleeping, it can have negative implications on our health. It can disrupt the heart rate, affect sugar metabolism, and even lead to psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. In the worst cases, it can increase the risk of premature death.
Light’s effect on gut:
There is a circadian rhythm to digestion. Colon muscles that aid in waste movement are more active during the day. The body’s internal clock and the gut’s own clock both affect its circadian rhythm. It also depends on when we eat.