In our technologically advanced society, humans do not rely on sunlight to dictate our sleeping, eating, and work schedules as we once did. Modern-day society functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with many jobs in which people are tasked with working throughout the nighttime or frequently traveling internationally through time zones. These things, in addition to others, such as light input from cities and personal technology, are highly unusual in comparison to how human beings evolved and, in turn, affect our internal clock, the circadian rhythm. These frequent and consistent disruptions prompt questions about the long-term effect of messing with our circadian rhythms. Many scientists are beginning to explore the impact of a disrupted circadian rhythm and its contribution to the development and onset of many diseases.
The circadian rhythm is an internal time-keeping mechanism that is governed by specific genes present in all tissues of a mammal's body, as well as external inputs such as light and nutritional intake. With or without the presence of light cues, it has been determined that neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus generate a 24-hour cycle in alignment with the rotation of the earth (Chen et al., 2023). In his research, writing, and discussions, Fred Turek and colleagues have determined the extremely adverse effects of circadian rhythm disruption, such as the development of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and more (Summa & Turek). In alignment with Turek’s findings, recent studies conducted by Yen-Chung Chen, Wei-Sheng Wang, Simon JG Lewis, and Shey-Lin Wu have found links between the onset of Parkinson’s disease and irregularities in the circadian rhythm.
Parkinson’s disease results in loss and impairment of motor control and function, caused by the degeneration of nerve cells, and results in a loss of production of dopamine. While the exact causes of this disease are unknown, research is being conducted to determine potential causes and effects of the disease through the analysis of genetics, stress levels, and gut microbiome and their interconnectedness to our internal clock, the circadian rhythm (Chen et al., 2023). The study of circadian rhythms and the extreme adverse effects a disrupted circadian rhythm could potentially have on someone’s health and lifestyle is a fascinating topic that I think is highly relevant to the functioning of modern society. Not only this, but it is highly crucial to note how irregular sleeping and eating schedules can affect a person's health.
The research conducted by Yen-Chung Chen and colleagues looked at the symptoms and effects of Parkinson’s disease on patients outside of motor impairment. Things such as sleep disorders, extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, sexual dysfunction, and mental health diseases such as anxiety or depression are all consequences of Parkinson’s Disease (Chen et al., 2023). The analysis of these symptoms in alignment with what is known about the essential functions and impacts of disruption of the circadian rhythm prompted many questions on the interconnectedness between the two. Throughout studies, scientists determined that people in the lowest quartile of circadian measures have an almost three times higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than someone in the highest quartile of circadian measurements. On a molecular level, scientists have seen that disruptions in the circadian rhythm “clock genes” result in lower levels of dopamine production, which is a contributor to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (Chen et al., 2023).
This research is fascinating and groundbreaking, as the circadian rhythm is a relatively new field of study, and many scientists are discovering just how related and vital it is to human function and the development of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and more. These findings promote discussions around circadian rhythm regulation and treatments. Both Fred Turek, Yen-Chung Chen, and their colleagues, in their research and papers, discussed the relationship between the microbiome in our gut and potential circadian rhythm repair by rebalancing enzymes and bacteria population in the gut. Not only that, but basic things such as exercise, melatonin supplements, and light therapy have also been found to improve or have the potential to repair a misaligned circadian rhythm (Chen et al., 2023). While these are hopeful treatment options, the actual impact and success of these treatment options are relatively unknown. The important discoveries of the interrelatedness between things like sleeping and eating, gene and hormone regulation and expression, and the circadian rhythm are significant. They will hopefully contribute to many studies and mitigation of disease development, resulting in lifestyle improvements for affected individuals.
References:
Chen YC, Wang WS, Lewis SJG, Wu SL. Fighting Against the Clock: Circadian Disruption and Parkinson's Disease. J Mov Discord, Wu SL. Jan; 17:1-14. doi: 10.14802/jmd.23216.
Summa, K.C. & Turek, F.W. (2014). Circadian Desynchrony and Health. In M.H. Kryger, A. Y. Avidan, & R. Berry (Eds.). Atlas of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2 ed., pp. 140-147).
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