OnlineClock.net is not content to simply serve as the world’s most popular web-based alarm clock – we’re generally interested in researching more about the subject of sleep, including delving into subjects such as why we sleep and what causes sleep. Recently we discovered the topic of biological clocks – the internal clock mechanisms that can be found inside all human beings, and we became fascinated by this subject.
When most people hear the term “biological clock,” they immediately think of a woman entering her 30s, who feels she needs to hurry up and have children while she is still young enough to do so. Although this term is commonly used to refer to both women’s and men’s instinctive internal reproductive urges, the term “biological clock” was originally coined to indicate the instinctive cycles of sleep and wakefulness, encompassing the evolutionary perspective surrounding them.
These sleep cycles are collectively referred to as Circadian Rhythms.
According to The Internet Journal of Neurology, Hamburg-born German biologist Erwin Bünning was credited with coining the term “biological clock” in 1935, referring to the Circadian Rhythms. Some doctors still use the term to refer to human reproductive factors also, as seen in The Journal of American Medical Association’s article “Medical Implications of the Male Biological Clock“; the difference may be found in the wording. “Biological clock” simply refers to our internal wake/sleep timer, “male biological clock” refers to the male fertility factors and “female biological clock” refers to female fertility factors. This blog will be dedicated to the original biological clock meaning – the study of sleep and waking patterns.
According to a research article titled “The Time Of Our Lives,” published by the University of Utah, evolution was the cause of a biological clock forming from living organisms.
The term “Circadian” comes from the Latin words “circa” and “diem,” with a combined meaning of “about a day.” As part of the adaptation response, this cycle was meant to aid humans in responding to lightness and darkness. It is widely believed by evolutionary researchers that this adaptation response is also connected to survival in the respect that it kept people from danger by inducing sleep at night during dark hours, rather than the well-lit day. The biological clock is not actually based on exactly 24 hours as our time-telling devices are – they include at least 20 extra minutes beyond the regular 24 hours. Powered by “clock genes,” which are protein-producing, genetic information regarding waking and sleeping patterns is sent through the body.
Not only do Circadian Rhythms govern our sleeping patterns, but they also play a part in cardiovascular activity, the endocrine system, blood pressure, metabolism, temperature and oxygen absorption. This report also indicates that studies have shown connections between the biological clock and regulation of RBC and blood sugar levels in humans. Described as a three-part system, the biological clock consists of a receptor for light, which is then combined with other environmental stimuli to set the clock; this “clock” is an internal chemical mechanism. The third part of the internal clock consists of genes that play a part in regulation of other genes.
By now most may wonder where exactly this chemical clock is located.
Your friend the Hypothalamus, home to your Biological Clock.
As reported in “The Time Of Our Lives”, the biological clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, commonly shortened to SCN, in the brain’s hypothalamus. The SCN is composed of 2 small clusters of nerve cells, each containing thousands of individual cells. The cells are sensitive to environmental stimuli impulses and reactions, such as light, darkness and temperature. Metabolism, sleep and hormone production are controlled partly by the SCN. Although it is such a small region, it is vital for biological function in regulating our internal time-keeping.
When researchers removed the SCN from rats, their daily cycles of sleep and waking were greatly disrupted. It is also responsible for syncing the timing issues related to the body’s internal organs and tissues by way of hormones and body temperature regulation. Organs such as the heart and liver, among others, also have their own “local” clocks that synchronize with the SCN. The significance of the suprachiasmatic nuclei and its function clearly indicates the importance of the human biological clock. Biological clocks are not only found in humans, though. They are also found in animals, some plants and even fruit flies (!).
Suprachiasmatic (Nuclei) - even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious.
One of the most important substances produced by the human body that is connected to the biological clock is Melatonin. In a medical reference publication by the University of Maryland Medical Center, Melatonin is described as being a hormone with antioxidant qualities, which is released by the brain’s pineal gland. It is functional in the regulation of hormones, which as noted before, help the body maintain a proper Circadian Rhythm.
Melatonin is regulated mostly by amounts of light present – or lack of light. When it is dark, Melatonin levels are higher; during daylight hours, levels are much lower. Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for inducing sleep; it creates the relaxed and “sleepy” feeling that signals a person that it is time to rest. Consequently, exposure to bright light at night will disrupt the balance of Melatonin; daylight hours with little exposure to light will also result in a higher level of Melatonin than what is normal for day hours. Vision problems, shift work and jet lag all contribute to Melatonin disruption also. This substance is also responsible for the reproductive systems being connected to the term “biological clock;” Melatonin aids in controlling the time-released female reproductive hormones. As a pharmaceutical aid, Melatonin supplements are used to treat insomnia disorders, which are especially seen in the older population. Levels of Melatonin are highest during childhood years, decreasing as people age.
A chart showing the melatonin levels in young and old, during different times of the day.
Keeping the biological clock ticking is beneficial – there are several important things that must be done!
Based on these reports, it is best to avoid trying to sleep with the light on at night to keep Melatonin levels high enough to induce sleep. Ample sun exposure will give people energy during the daylight hours, as the UV rays synthesize Vitamin D, which is a beneficial and energizing vitamin. The National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that people have 5-30 minutes of direct sun exposure without sunscreen during 10 AM and 3 PM twice per week to ensure ample intake.
If possible, it is best to avoid working shifts that interfere with the regular hours of sleeping and waking. This is difficult though, as shifts either overlap these times or involve working the entire night.
In addition, you can wake yourself up using , a light alarm clock or S.A.D. alarm clock, as previously discussed on OnlineClock.net.
The biological clock is not only connected to sleep disorders, but also to depression and mood disorders. According to the Environmental Illness Resource organization, research shows that between 4-6% of the human population suffers from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, shortened to SAD. This disorder is defined by feeling down and depressed during the winter months in climates where there are cold winters and warm summers. In these climates, winter months are usually cloudy and overcast, preventing people from receiving ample sun exposure. Light therapy is used to treat this disorder and has shown very promising and positive effects.
The benefits of a good night’s sleep contribute to overall health, so balancing sleep and wakefulness correctly is very important.
Taking a Melatonin supplement may be necessary for those who still suffer from insomnia for other reasons. As with any other supplement, vitamin or pharmaceutical, it’s very important to check with a doctor before beginning usage.
From all of us at OnlineClock.net, we wish you all high Melatonin levels and a good night’s sleep!
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