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, we don't really believe it all the way. It seems like something mystical, too philosophical, and too far removed from our lifestyle to be true. And yet there are signs that remind us every day just how much our body follows a clock that's bigger than the one we wear on our wrist.
We see this in sleep, circadian rhythms, and the melatonin cycle.
Circadian rhythms are cycles of approximately 24 hours that occur within our bodies. The term derives from the Latin circa and diem, literally “around the day.”
The first discovery in this regard was made in 1729 by a French astronomer who decided to study the behavior of Mimosa pudica, also known as the sensitive plant. An experiment revealed that this plant appeared to open and close its leaves according to its own particular internal rhythm.
In the years that followed, it was discovered that humans also possess “clock” genes that determine the daily cycles of various biological functions, and these genes are activated in response to sunlight or the darkness of evening. Therefore, we have an internal clock that regulates our body’s rhythms depending on the time of day.
Circadian rhythms govern changes in body temperature, feelings of hunger, the functioning of certain organs, and, above all, sleep.
And this is where melatonin comes into play—one of the most important molecules in the regulation of circadian rhythms.
Melatonin is produced during the day, while its release occurs at night, promoting sleep. It is no coincidence that the name of this hormone holds the key to how it works: in Greek, “melas” means black or dark.
However, melatonin secretion can change over the course of a person’s life. Production peaks around age 3 but decreases with age due to the calcification of the epiphysis (the gland responsible for its secretion).
That’s why, as we reach adulthood, our sleep becomes lighter and we can no longer sleep “like children.” To restore the normal rhythm of our biological clock, we recommend taking one melatonin tablet or 20 drops in a glass of water before going to sleep.
You'll also notice an improvement if you suffer from insomnia caused by overthinking or mild anxiety. And if you travel frequently for work, always keep a supply in your suitcase, because it's also very helpful for combating jet lag.
