![]() |
|||
|
Sleep forms part of humans biological need to rest. As a person sleeps, the various physiological processes of a human body figuratively put into an apparent arrest and some parts of our system that were mostly exploited can be replenished for future use. However, imagine a system so disrupted that our normal scheduling for sleeping and waking is totally altered. Some people tend to sleep early and wake up early in the morning and some cannot sleep early and as a consequence, wakes up late.
24-hour vs. 25-hour cycle Earth rotates around the sun in a 24-hour cycle, so as our body functions in this 24-hour time schedule. All living organisms charismatically subscribe to this cyclic resting and activity patterns so that their body could function in sync with the environment in which they live. Although humans externally operate under a 24-hour environment, research found that our body clocks evidently works significantly different than what we see in the environment. It shows that the human body closely behaves as if it were under a 25-hour environment. Convincingly, humans reluctance to wake up at a required time and sleeping late at night probably explains this theory. To compensate for this discrepancy, the body uses time cues to effectively counter-manage this asynchronous rhythmical. Setting an alarm helps us wake up at a designated time of the day and allows us to function as if it were under the 24-hour rhythmic schedule. Dark vs. Light Light and temperature provides the determining factor by which the body responds to the 24-hour activity period. The presence or absence of light primarily affects the part of the brain which paces your bodily activities. It was believed that the fundamental locus or location of our biological clock is the brain specifically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. In complex animals like humans, hypothalamus forms part of the autonomous nervous system which in part, controls the functions of organs that are not voluntarily controlled, hence involuntary. Involuntary, meaning, they are not governed by conscious will to act. These include breathing, heart beat and intestinal digestion. Eyes, Light and SCN One interesting point to make is that the location of SCN is just above the optic chiasma (cross). Optic chiasma can is described as a location where optic nerve fibers meet and cross (chiasma-cross). It is fitting to say that, the perception of light through the opening in the eyes, triggers the wake/sleep patterns in humans since this is one way the organism receives such physical message. As retina (a portion of the eye where initial image of an object is stored) traps light rays, optic fibers relays the image to the brain via characteristic electrical pulses. This unique sensory impulse is carried along the optic fibers to the occipital lobe (rear part) of the brain and is perceived as images. The proximity of the optic chiasma to the SCN perhaps provides the opportunity for the hypothalamus to sense the referred electrical impulses. Forms of Circadian Rhythms Syndrome/Disorders Circadian Rhythm defects can come many distinct forms depending on the amount and timing of waking up and sleeping. Others, as in the case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), result in the changes in the length of day and night. People who tend to sleep at a later time of the day and wake up late as well are said to be exhibiting Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS). These people tend to develop insomnia, an abnormal inability to take adequate amount of sleep due to not being able to sleep at the right time of the night. Still, other people, especially the elderly, are more likely to sleep early around 7:00 PM and consequently wake up early around 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM. This is a symptom of disrupted natural biological rhythms known as Familial Advanced Sleep-Phase Syndrome (FASPS). The amount of a substance called melatonin is also perceived as a motivating factor in sleep-related disorders in humans. In a study among vertebrate mammals, melatonin is secreted in response to the absence of light. This means more melatonin is secreted in the period of darkness and less in the presence of light. It presupposes the idea that melatonin is related to the 24-hour sleep/wake cycle of every human being. Genetics A considerable research has been made with the objective of locating the gene responsible for the emergence of these disorders. One research study published in Science on January 12, 2001, a monthly scientific journal, shows that the Familial Advanced Sleep-Phase Syndrome was a result of an apparent mutation of hPer2 gene. But much has to be known about the function of the normal form of this gene and its adverse effect in mutated forms while considering its relation to other sleep-related illnesses. Recommendations With the knowledge gained in the preceding discussion, it can be assumed that the presence and absence of light affects our sleeping/waking schedule. With these in mind, keep yourself committed to your schedule to rest and sleep and set aside things which are not really important. Keep your room as dark and gloomy as possible, to make it easy for you to sleep. Colorful objects stimulate your senses and disrupt sleep. Keep it ventilated and air-conditioned. Studies show that as we sleep, our body temperature drops and allows the neurotransmitter melatonin to be produced at a rapid pace. Keep those things in mind and do not forget to seek medical help should your condition progresses. === Contributed by Murray Peck, Murray has produced a powerful self help website with over 150 FREE SELF HELP BOOKS and 1000 free personal development guides for your greater Happiness, Health and Prosperity at Article reprint requirements:
Back to Free self help books for insomnia cures and health articles HOME PAGE =================================================================== SITE DISCLAIMER: The self help books and personal development resources on this site are not intended to be a substitute for therapy or professional advice. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this self help book and personal development publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the self help books and personal development subject matter herein. There is no guarantee of validity of accuracy of any self help books and articles content. Any perceived slight of specific people or organizations is unintentional. This self help books and personal development articles website and its creators are not responsible for the content of any sites linked to. The Free self help books for insomnia cures website contents are solely the opinion of the author and should not be considered as a form of therapy, advice, direction and/or diagnosis or treatment of any kind: medical, spiritual, mental or other. If expert advice or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought. The author and the Publisher assume no responsibility or liability and specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied for any self help or otherwise products or self help or otherwise services mentioned, or any self help or otherwise techniques or practices described. The purchaser or reader of this self help book and personal development articles website publication assumes responsibility for the use of these self help personal development materials and self help books and personal development articles and information. Neither the self help author nor the self help book Publisher assumes any responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these Free self help books for insomnia cures and personal development materials. Self help site contains: Free self help books for insomnia cures and new health articles for your Lifetime Health & Fitness and wellbeing self help book and personal development health article about keyword, free self help books for your improved health, Free self help books for insomnia cures & lifetime fitness Self help books and new health articles for happiness & personal development resources, free self help books and new health articles listed for your convenient self help books for lifetime fitness health and wellbeing search in the Free self help books for insomnia cures and new health articles subjects of self image, self help health tips, self help book resources for lifetime health & fitness and self help emotion management, panic attack self help, Free self help books for insomnia cures , self help famous quotes, anxiety self help resources, stress management self help books, new health articles and depression self help books, new health articles and resources. size=1>
|
It's time to join our happy subscribers, like these: "I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude for this powerful tips you send to me.Thank you so much and may God richly bless all the team working towards this. Thank you for this. It has been most instructive. Please keep them coming! With no other words, I simply love these Power Tips - thanks for every email I have received from you - I find there always something that cheers my day up or gives me some more inspiration. Good work, there! I always read your Power Tips and it has helped me a lot in my life... I would like to thank you a lot for such a nice article at regular intervals. I am really grateful to you for what you have been doing for me and my growth. I know that I am not alone and hundreds of thousands of people would be feeling the same. Your Newsletter are always a help. Thanks a tonne. You are doing so much for the whole mankind and as a matter of fact sometimes even a small thought delivered at the right time can do miracles in someone's life and his whole life can take a turn around. When the positive seeds through your news letter are falling all over the world, then I am sure some would become tree and bear fruits. Vikas B |