Does Your Circadian Rhythm Affect Sleep Apnoea?

Every day, your life follows a set schedule that starts when you wake up and finishes when you go to sleep before starting all over again the next day. Most people tend to have a pretty consistent routine that may vary occasionally, but when this happens, it is easy to get back on track. Although your daily routine may be unique, everyone has an internal clock that follows the circadian rhythm, which can significantly impact everyday routines. You have probably heard a bit about the circadian rhythm but might not know what it is, what it does, and how it can impact health.

What Is a Circadian Rhythm?

The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle followed by your body’s internal clock. It is controlled by a part of your brain called the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in the hypothalamus. Your circadian rhythm is vital for overall health because it controls many bodily systems, including your immune, endocrine and digestive systems. Your circadian rhythm is especially essential for a good night’s sleep.

How Do Circadian Rhythms Affect Sleep?

Your circadian rhythm regulates your sleep cycle and is influenced by natural sunlight. When you are out in the sunlight or daylight, it triggers your circadian rhythm, resulting in your body producing less melatonin. This hormone helps you get a good night’s sleep, so as production decreases, you begin to wake up naturally at sunrise. As the sun starts to set, your circadian rhythm prompts your brain to produce more melatonin. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland in the brain and is important for overall health as well as sleep.

What Happens If Your Circadian Rhythm Is Disrupted?

Your circadian rhythm can begin to be disrupted because of jetlag, daylight savings, or if you are exposed to blue light from electronic devices, inhibiting melatonin production. Sometimes life events mean disruptions to your normal sleep schedule or habits.

When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, sleep deprivation can cause you to feel excessively sleepy during the day, and you may develop problems like obstructive sleep apnoea.

How Do Circadian Rhythms Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea, or OSA, is a common but potentially serious sleep disorder where people have frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, preventing them from achieving deep restorative sleep. OSA can significantly impact general health and is associated with serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and anxiety, and obesity. Disruption of sleep cycles may worsen symptoms of sleep apnoea.

Keeping Your Circadian Rhythm Healthy

You can do various things to help regulate your circadian rhythms, such as following a consistent sleep cycle, avoiding blue light exposure before bedtime, and exercising regularly. However, if you suspect you have sleep apnoea, it’s important to get tested. Many people do not realise they have sleep apnoea, and one symptom is loud snoring punctuated by frequent pauses in breath, sometimes for several seconds. Other signs include waking up tired and taking more than half an hour to fall asleep.