New Delhi: Struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or feeling constantly tired during the day could be more than just signs of sleep deprivation. Health experts now warn that these symptoms may indicate Circadian Syndrome (CircS), a serious condition that significantly increases the risk of early death.
What is circadian syndrome?
Circadian Syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe a group of health conditions caused by disruptions in the body clock. This rhythm is often regulated by metabolism, hormone levels, sleep-wake cycle and other biological factors. Disruptions in these have been associated with high blood pressure, obesity, depression, type-2 diabetes, and sleep disorders. According to a recent study on various populations in China and the US, thousands of middle-aged adults were diagnosed with Circadian Syndrome and therefore were more prone to diseases like those of the kidneys, liver, and heart. This raises the risk of early death.
Participants were considered to have CircS if they showed at least four of the following seven symptoms: high triglyceride levels, abdominal obesity, low HDL (good cholesterol), hypertension, high blood sugar, sleeping less than six hours per night, and depression. Among the 7,637 Chinese adults observed, 2,270 were diagnosed with CircS. Similarly, in the U.S. group of 9,320 participants, 4,335 had the condition. Over a follow-up period of more than nine years in China and about seven years in the U.S., death rates were significantly higher in individuals with CircS.
Researchers found that specific symptoms, such as excessive abdominal fat, elevated blood sugar, and mood disorders, were strongly associated with premature mortality. In the U.S. group, CircS was linked to death from heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, various cancers, and respiratory infections like pneumonia.
The study concluded that Circadian Syndrome can be managed and prevented. Timely lifestyle changes upon diagnosis can help reduce the risk of long-term complications. It can also improve life expectancy in older and middle-aged adults.
Cause of circadian disruption
Modern lifestyle that involves long sitting hours, unhealthy diet, and even habits like smoking, combined with excessive screen time, can collectively ruin the body clock. Limited exposure to daylight can also have this effect. This is further worsened by the use of recreational drugs, caffeine, and alcohol.
Tips to Restore Your Circadian Rhythm
Some of the best ways to fix the circadian rhythm are:
- Avoid using screens close to bedtime
- Stick to a fixed sleep routine
- Limit the use of caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- Get morning sunlight
- Workout during the day and not close to bedtime
- Read a book before bedtime
Restoring a healthy circadian rhythm isn’t just about improving sleep—it’s a crucial step toward protecting your long-term health.
Circadian Syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe a group of health conditions caused by disruptions in the body clock. This rhythm is often regulated by metabolism, hormone levels, sleep-wake cycle and other biological factors. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
