Could We Reset Our Biological Clocks?

Could it be possible to reset our biological clocks? Recent findings published in The FASBE Journal found that new therapeutic avenues are helping to improve synchronization of the body's different biological clocks that are regulated by a circadian system that's focus is on the brain and other "clocks" directing different parts of the body.

As humans work as diurnal creatures, staying awake late into the night can significantly disrupt the body's internal clock. These disruptions may seem relatively harmless in the beginning, yet over time, their dysfunction can increase the risk of metabolic issues or cardiovascular problems, along with even some types of cancer.

"Problems adjusting to atypical work schedules are a major issue for society. Our previous studies clearly show that desynchronized circadian clocks disrupt the sleep, performance and cardiac parameters of night-shift workers. However, current approaches to these problems have significant limitations, as a single therapy can't address the disruptions that occur in all biological clocks. For example, when used incorrectly, light therapy can even aggravate the situation," said Dr. Diane B. Boivin, Director of the Centre for Study and Treatment of Circadian Rhythms, where the study took place, in a news release. 

Though researchers are still working to understand the overall mechanisms of how peripheral biological clocks adapt to night-shift work in humans, many believe that a regular function of the internal clocks are necessary for overall health and well-being.

"Clock genes are what drive our biological clocks, and these genes are active in all of our organs. Animal studies have shown that our central clock (in the brain) sends signals to the clocks in our other organs. Glucocorticoids appear to play a central role in transmitting these signals. However, until now, no one had demonstrated that cortisol (a glucocorticoid) plays this role in humans," added Dr. Nicolas Cermakian, Director of the Laboratory of Molecular Chronobiology.

With future research, the study authors hope to learn more about synchronization of the central biological clock and how it could potentially be used to help certain sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disorders.

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