All humans have a circadian rhythm which is an internal clock that is regulated by our environment. It may also be affected by irregular sleep patterns, causing an imbalance between our homeostatic process and circadian rhythm. As our circadian rhythm remains consistent on a 24 hour cycle, the homeostatic cycle will fluctuate depending on the amount of sleep we may get.
Shift workers often face the consequences of homeostatic buildup due to their inconsistent sleep times. Therefore, many suffer from shift work disorder which includes symptoms of difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, irritability, insomnia, and depression. This is similar to students who pull all-nighters. When we miss a night of sleep, we slowly begin to increase our homeostatic process (or our additional sleep pressure). We often times feel a second wind of wakefulness in the early morning hours, and that is when our circadian rhythm kicks in. Once the sun comes out, our body is triggered to release cortisol in the attempts to wake you up. As the day goes on our sleep pressure greatens, and it will take a greater amount of time to recuperate from that sleep debt.
Dr. Cavanaugh presented on these issues and discussed how it is important to maintain a regulated sleep cycle to remain as productive as possible. The greater one’s sleep debt, then the more physiological issues will arise for people.
As students we face many disruptions to our internal clock due to our inconsistent sleep schedules. We may sleep consistently from 11 PM to 9 AM on school nights, but on the weekend we may sleep at 4 AM and wake up at 1 PM. This may be affecting our internal clock causing similar issues as shift work disorder. So next time you need an excuse for your 8 AM class, tell your teacher you need your sleep!
Bibliography: https://smoens.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/homeostatic-and-circadian-processes-underlying-the-sleep-wake-cycle-1/
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