$Unique_ID{BRK01368}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Anything to the Term "Circadian Rhythms"?}
$Subject{circadian rhythms disease ill defined symptoms symptom internal
rhythm clock biological clocks day night 24-hour metabolism cyclical 24 hour
hours metabolic cycle cycles}
$Volume{N-23}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Anything to the Term "Circadian Rhythms"?


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QUESTION:  Can you make any sense out of the term "circadian rhythms"?  Is
this just some type of para-scientific speculation, or is there anything to
it?  A fellow marathoner thinks it is the latest in a competitive edge.  If it
is, I want to know about it!

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ANSWER:  Circadian rhythms are our internal biological clock; the term comes
from the Latin "circa dies", meaning "about a day".  We humans are on a
24-hour clock that roughly corresponds to day and night.  We rise and work
during the day and we rest at night.  And some of us consider ourselves day
people and some think of ourselves as night owls.  Well, this is not just
fancy.  Studies show that individuals' alertness, strength, heart rate, and
blood pressure vary considerably within this night/day cycle.  So to discover
our peak periods of productivity, it would be helpful to do a little analyzing
of our circadian rhythms.
     Certain diseases seem to follow a pattern also, with most heart attacks
and strokes occurring in the AM hours.  Because of variation in metabolism due
to circadian rhythms, medication absorption follows a cyclical pattern too.
For an athlete, knowing his peak in terms of vigor and alertness is crucial to
winning the race.  But we all have our races to run, and getting with your
rhythm is getting with the best you have to offer.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.