Circadian Rhythms (Lat. Circa - Around, Dies - Day)

Circadian rhythms are innate biological rhythms that control cyclical processes in the body of living beings. They determine behavior, physiological functions and metabolic processes that occur within cells and tissues.

The term "circadian" comes from the Latin words "circa" (about) and "dies" (day), indicating their proximity to the circadian cycle. Circadian rhythms have a periodicity close to 24 hours, and they are synchronized with the changes in light and darkness that occur throughout the day.

Examples of circadian rhythms include sleep-wake cycles, temperature fluctuations, hormonal changes, digestive processes, and many other biological processes. They are an important factor that helps the body adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Circadian rhythms are controlled by an internal biological clock, or synchronizer, located in the hypothalamus of the brain. This synchronizer receives information from the eyes and determines when the body should be active or passive, hungry or full, etc.

Disruption of circadian rhythms can lead to various diseases and disorders, such as insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective depression and others. Therefore, it is important to consider circadian rhythms when planning your day and work, especially for people who work night shifts or travel across multiple time zones.

The study of circadian rhythms is important for understanding the performance of the body and its adaptive capabilities. This could lead to the development of new treatments and improve people's quality of life.