All articles tagged with #biological clocks
A large UK Biobank analysis of about 500,000 adults links six-to-eight hours of nightly sleep with slower biological ageing and lower risk of early death and disease, across 23 ageing clocks in 17 organs; sleeping more or less than this window associates with faster ageing, though the study does not prove causation and individual optimum sleep may vary.
The study of circadian rhythms, the internal biological clocks that regulate various bodily functions, has gained significant attention in recent years. These rhythms, influenced by cues from the environment, play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Disruptions to our circadian rhythms, such as jet lag or shift work, can have negative effects on sleep, metabolism, immune function, and mental health. Understanding and aligning with our natural circadian rhythms can lead to improved sleep, better health outcomes, and enhanced performance. Researchers are exploring the potential of using circadian science in various fields, including medicine, to optimize treatment timing and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified a key interaction between a core clock protein, Period, and an enzyme, casein kinase 1, that controls the timing of our body's internal clock. This discovery sheds light on Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (FASP), a genetic mutation that causes a shortened clock cycle, resulting in a 20-hour cycle instead of a 24-hour one. The newly discovered interaction could be a potential target for therapeutic intervention, opening avenues for treating not only FASP but also other sleep cycle disruptions.