Scientists isolate gene that controls biological clock
Three United States scientists recently won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their research into the role of molecular mechanisms in regulating circadian rhythm, aka the biological clock or body clock.
In their research on fruit flies, the researchers isolated a previously unknown gene that controls the biological clock. This gene encodes a protein that builds up in cells at night and degrades during the day. The researchers also identified other proteins that help keep the biological clock running on its proper 24-hour rhythm.
Of course, fruit flies are not the only organism with a biological clock. All multicellular organisms, including humans, rely on biological clocks to adapt their physiology to the environment at different types of the day.
The biological clock is most often associated with sleeping and waking cycles. However, this is not all that the biological clock does. It also helps regulate many other important functions such as hormone release, body temperature, blood pressure, and eating habits.
This internal body clock should match up with the external environment, so that we sleep at night and wake during the day for example. When there is a mismatch, a person’s well-being will suffer. In fact, issues with circadian rhythm can lead to increased risk for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
The isolation of the biological clock gene is expected to have far-reaching implications for science and medicine, potentially leading to the development of new treatments for certain diseases. It also highlights the fact that the human brain and body require a good 24-hour rhythm for optimal health.
Ways to Restore Circadian Rhythm
Given the importance of a healthy circadian rhythm, you may wonder what steps you can take right now to help reset your biological clock and ensure you getting enough sleep at night and feeling alert and energized during the day. Here are some options:
Change Your Routine: It’s possible your natural circadian rhythm is off because you are disconnected from the natural light and dark cycles our bodies were designed for. Try changing your routine so that you spend time outside in the sun each day. Turn off your computer, tablet, smartphone, TV, and other “screens” a few hours before bedtime, and dim the lights to help create a dark, peaceful environment for sleep.
Supplement Melatonin: One of the things that helps you fall asleep at night is the buildup of melatonin in your system. If your body isn’t producing enough of this hormone during the day, you can supplement it with our Melatonin Liposomal Spray, which will provide enough melatonin to help you fall asleep more easily.
Improve Adrenal Function: The adrenal glands are responsible for the release of hormones that affect blood sugar, metabolism, immune response, and circadian rhythm. Often, a lifetime of stress leaves adrenal function compromised, so that these hormones are not released in the appropriate amounts. Fortunately, Renew Youth offers a variety of treatment options for adrenal fatigue that can help rejuvenate the adrenal glands and support healthy circadian rhythms.
If you would like to learn more about our treatment options, please contact us at 800-859-7511 today.