
Research on circadian rhythms
Research on circadian rhythms studies the natural 24-hour cycles that regulate our body's functions, including sleep-wake patterns, hormone release, and metabolism. These internal clocks are influenced by external cues like light and darkness, helping coordinate when certain processes occur. Understanding these rhythms can reveal how disruptions—such as shift work, jet lag, or aging—affect health, cognition, and mood. Advances in this field aim to optimize daily routines and develop treatments for sleep disorders and other health issues by aligning our environment with our biological clocks.