Our body clock controls when we wake up, what our hormones get up to and even our body temperature. The bad news? It can go completely out of whack. The good news? You can reset it.
You may have heard of the phrase ‘My body clock is ticking’ used by women to express that they are experiencing increased maternal instincts to have a child, knowing that their fertility window is shrinking. But the body clock refers to much more than the instinct to bear children. It manages our hormone releases, sleep patterns, body temperature and much more. Dr Anupama N, consultant at the preventive medicine department at Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore, says “Biological rhythms are a system in the body, which control the occurrence of natural processes such as waking, sleeping and ageing. The majority of us have a balanced body clock. Some of us, however, are early risers (larks) and some are night setters (owls). Larks are at their most active in the morning while owls prefer evenings. People with a balanced body clock are those in between. The body clock, however, changes through different stages of life— children are often larks, teenagers turn into owls, and adults return to lark-like patterns.”
“Today’s lifestyle has led to the disruption of the body clock, and hence led to major health problems like diabetes, heart diseases, obesity and cancers,” says Dr Anupama. “Lack of sleep, irregular sleeping and eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and stress have led to an increase in such health issues.”
GET ON THE RIGHT CYCLE
There are four categories of biological rhythms, says Shalini Arvind, chief dietician at Fortis Hospitals. She explains how they work.
CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.