What is Metabolic Circadian Rhythm Disorder?

The circadian rhythm plays a vital role in regulating a wide variety of physiological events such as sleeping and waking, as well as metabolism. Lifestyle has a great impact on the circadian system, and therefore on the body internal organisation of physiological and biochemical processes that regulates various behaviours. Disruption of the circadian clock is strongly linked to metabolic imbalance. In this modern era, lifestyles are increasingly becoming more flexible in terms of when to eat, sleep, socialise, and exercise. This flexibility may be associated with the increased risk of both mental and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases due to inconsistent meal times, unhealthy diets, as well as lack of sleep and physical activity. However, the effects of diet and lifestyle on weight gain or loss may differ across individuals as genetic variation is one of the key factors in regulating metabolic circadian rhythm.

How It Affects Your Body

The circadian rhythm is present in every cell in our body. A consistent rhythm allows our body to function optimally.

Disruption will affect our energy cycle, causing sudden fluctuations in energy. We may feel this through a short burst of productivity followed by prolonged tiredness throughout the day. A healthy cycle would also allow us to acquire quality sleep at specific times at night. Disruption will cause sleep issues such as insomnia, late or early sleep and waking times, and disrupted sleep.

Finally, a healthy cycle helps us maintain a healthy body composition. Disruptions will also lead to muscle mass loss and fat gain, especially visceral fat. Even hormonal balance is affected, which can lead to increased stress levels, depression, skin disorders, and more.

How It Affects Your Body

The circadian rhythm system is regulated by a central clock in the brain and secondary clocks in other organs. The master clock in the brain is set by light and determines the overall diurnal or nocturnal preference.

A nocturnal person tends to be active at night while a diurnal prefers the morning. These preferences affect the sleep-wake cycle. Circadian clocks are also important in maintaining metabolic health.

Studies have shown that the circadian clocks in skeletal muscles not only affects muscle mass and strength, but also fat and carbohydrate breakdown.

Symptoms of Irregular Circadian Rhythm