22
Feb
Circadian rhythms, driven by the brain's SCN, regulate sleep and wakefulness. The SCN, located in the hypothalamus, receives retina input to synchronize with the natural light-dark cycle. Healthy rhythms align sleep patterns with the natural cycle, while disturbances can lead to poor sleep quality. Several factors can disrupt the circadian rhythm, leading to significant impairments in sleep quality. Most common disruptions include: Shift work disorder is a condition where individuals with non-traditional hours experience circadian clock misalignments, causing difficulty in sleep and alertness during waking hours. Chronic sleep deprivation, influenced by lifestyle, work, and stress, disrupts the circadian rhythm, leading…