The hormone that primarily controls the body clock is melatonin.
Understanding the Body Clock and Melatonin
Our bodies have an internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, which regulates various bodily functions throughout the 24-hour cycle. This rhythm influences sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature, and more. The pineal gland, a small gland in the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating this internal clock by producing melatonin.
Melatonin's Role in Circadian Rhythms
Melatonin's production is influenced by light exposure. During the night, when it's dark, the pineal gland releases melatonin, signaling to the body that it's time to sleep. As light levels increase in the morning, melatonin production decreases, prompting wakefulness.
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Practical Insight: Disruptions to the sleep-wake cycle, such as jet lag or shift work, can affect melatonin production and disrupt the body clock.
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Example: If you travel across multiple time zones, your body's natural melatonin production may not align with the new time zone's light-dark cycle, leading to sleep disturbances.
The reference material states: "The pineal gland makes a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin helps your body control day-night sleep patterns and your internal body clock (circadian rhythms)." This directly supports the central role of melatonin in regulating the body's internal clock.
