Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Though few of us really like to admit it, we are creatures of habit. That being said, we are all driven by an internal clock to which our bodies respond. This clock, known as the circadian rhythm, governs our lives in numerous ways.
It is an internal clock that repeats every 24 hours and directs our daily physiology or normal functions. It regulates the body’s important sleep-wake cycle. It decides when certain hormones are secreted by the body. This internal clock influences the body’s immune system and its ability to combat infections. It can also affect one’s eating and digestion. This circadian rhythm is all-encompassing.
In the same breath, a disruption of one’s internal clock system can cause chaos. Disruptions such as an inability to sleep, exposure to bright light at night, or even irregular eating habits have been shown to adversely affect the body.
Researchers have now found that these disruptions in the internal clock or circadian rhythm have been seen in the cells of breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, leukemia and even brain cancers.
Alterations in the internal clock have been linked to the initiation and progression of various cancers.
Unfortunately, since the mid-1970s, there has been an overall increase in cancer rates, especially in individuals aged 15-39 years. The early onset of colorectal cancer has seen the sharpest increase.
During this same period, there has been a marked increase in exposure to artificial light at night. This artificial night light is emitted from TVs, smartphones, and computers. This light reduces the production of melatonin, which is needed for sleep and supporting the circadian rhythm.
Studies have also shown that high exposure to artificial light at night was associated with an increased risk of certain breast cancers and thyroid cancers.
The stomach and intestines are particularly sensitive to disruptions in circadian rhythm and the health of important gut microbes.
It is predicted that ensuring the preservation of the circadian rhythm will be a pivotal part of healthcare and the prevention and treatment of illnesses in the future.
These strategies will include supporting consistent sleep cycles, limiting night shift work, eating sometime during a window of six to 12 hours during the daytime and limiting exposure to artificial light, especially at night. All these strategies can be implemented immediately. Protect your health.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
