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Review
. 2024 Jun 3;16(6):e61568.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.61568. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Exploring the Role of Circadian Rhythms in Sleep and Recovery: A Review Article

Dev Desai  1 , Aryan Momin  1 , Priya Hirpara  2 , Hemali Jha  3 , Ravi Thaker  4 , Jitendra Patel  5
Affiliations
Review

Exploring the Role of Circadian Rhythms in Sleep and Recovery: A Review Article

Dev Desai et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Sleep is essential for every living organism. Humans spend about one-third of their lives sleeping. Sleep has been studied extensively, and the role of sleep in psychological, mental, and physical well-being is established to be the best. The rhythm of the brain between wakefulness and sleep is called the circadian rhythm, which is mainly controlled by melatonin and the pineal gland. The imbalance of this rhythm can lead to devastating effects on health. Vigorous workouts close to bedtime can interfere with falling asleep. Meal timing and composition can significantly affect sleep quality. It is advised to avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime. Heavy meals close to bedtime can lead to poor sleep and hormone disruption. By following these guidelines enumerated in the article, individuals can improve sleep quality and overall health. Sleep cycles, especially rapid eye movement sleep, have a profound influence on mental and physical health. Adhering to recommended sleep practices enhances bodily restoration, fortifies the immune system, and upholds metabolic equilibrium. Sleep hygiene aligned with circadian rhythms is crucial for disease prevention and well-being. Healthcare professionals should prioritize sleep optimization strategies for patient care and public health.

Keywords: circadian rhythm; health; metabolic effects; rem sleep; sleep hygiene.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Stages of sleep.
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