If your body’s rhythm is broken, it not only affects your sleep quality but also almost every system of your body. This may wreak both short and long-term havoc.
Short-Term Disruptions
You may ignore a few late nights, but even small misalignments can cause noticeable changes in your body’s functioning.
1. Delay in Healing Wounds
Your skin cells also follow their circadian rhythm. When this rhythm is disrupted, your body may slow down the recovery of cuts, bruises, or wounds. Scientists have proven that 60% of the wounds heal in the daytime.
2. Hormonal Changes
The circadian cycle balances out hormones like:
- Cortisol
- Melatonin
- Insulin
- Thyroid
- Reproductive hormones
If this rhythm is disrupted, the hormonal cycle is also affected, influencing stress levels, hunger, and sleep.
3. Digestive Issues
Irregular sleep confuses your gut’s circadian cycle. This may cause bloating, constipation, and abnormal hunger. Irregular eating patterns cause:
- Indigestion
- Acid reflux
- Erratic bowel movements
4. Fluctuations in Body Temperature
Our body automatically cools down during sleep. But with an un-synced circadian rhythm, temperature regulation is affected.
5. Lack of Energy
An unsynced circadian rhythm drains your energy, making you feel drowsy during the day.
6. Memory Loss
Cognitive functions are also disrupted by irregular sleep patterns. This may lead to memory fog and low focus.
Long-Term Disruptions
If your sleep cycle is imbalanced for months or years, the damage may be more serious and deep-rooted.
1. Cardiovascular System
Long-term disruptions may cause:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Strokes
For example, night workers are more prone to cardiovascular risks.
2. Metabolism
Irregular patterns may also cause:
- Insulin resistance
- Weight gain
- Type 2 diabetes
An unsynced body clock affects your metabolism.
3. Gastrointestinal System
Long-term gut problems like IBS, bloating, and indigestion may also be caused by disrupted circadian rhythm.
4. Endocrine System
The endocrine system regulates hormones:
Disrupted circadian rhythm may disrupt the endocrine system and hormone regulation.
5. Nervous System
Disruptions in circadian rhythm may also cause mood disorders like anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s.
Key Point:
What may look smaller at the start can escalate to a serious health problem if your body cycle is disrupted for a long time. Your body needs rhythm. The natural sleep-wake cycle rhythm is necessary for whole-body health.