-
The Health Risks of Night Work
The night shift poses numerous challenges for workers as it significantly alters the body’s internal rhythm. The human body performs various biological functions throughout the day, regulated by the alternation of natural light and darkness. However, working at night disrupts this cycle, causing stress in the brain’s hypothalamus, which regulates several vital functions. The role of the hypothalamus is crucial, as this area is responsible for maintaining sleep, appetite, temperature regulation, and hormonal balance. When this system is disrupted, sleep disorders, digestive issues, and concentration difficulties may arise. Research also indicates that working night shifts can pose serious long-term health risks that should be addressed. In the following sections, we…
-
The Cycle of Wakefulness and Sleep in Life
Sleep is a fundamental life-sustaining function essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. During sleep, the body undergoes processes of regeneration and cleansing, which help recover the energies needed for daily life. The question, however, is why we need to suspend our consciousness and reactions to sleep? Why is it not sufficient to simply rest while awake? To understand these questions, it is worth examining the biology of sleep and the underlying mechanisms. Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Homeostasis The complex processes of sleep are governed by the body’s internal clock, the circadian rhythm, and sleep homeostasis. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle regulated by cells located in the hypothalamus,…
-
Nobel Prize – Three American Researchers Awarded for Medical Recognition in the Study of Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm, also known as the daily biological clock, plays a crucial role in the lives of living organisms, as it helps them adapt to the rotation of the Earth. This rhythm is fundamental for plants, animals, and humans alike, as it allows biological processes to align with the different phases of the day. The functioning of circadian rhythms has long intrigued scientists, who have discovered how the internal clock of living beings facilitates adaptation to the daily rhythm. Various research findings indicate that circadian rhythms are not only applicable to humans but also to other multicellular organisms. Particularly exciting discoveries have been made in recent decades that illuminate…
-
Night work negatively affects the brain and accelerates its aging
Az éjjeli munka hatásai az agyra és a kognitív működésre A biológiai ritmusok és az éjjeli munka Night shifts are becoming increasingly common in modern society, but research suggests that they can have serious consequences for brain health. A lifestyle that opposes our biological clock affects not only our physical condition but also our mental functioning. The scientific community is increasingly warning that regular night work may age the brain in the long term and impair various cognitive functions. A biológiai ritmusaink és a természetes alvási ciklusok Our biological rhythms and natural sleep cycles are closely interconnected. The human body is active during the day while requiring rest at night.…
-
The Risks of Daylight Saving Time – Deteriorating Sleep Quality
The modern lifestyle and social customs present numerous challenges for healthy sleep. The importance of sleep in maintaining physical and mental health is undeniable, yet many struggle with a lack of adequate rest. The deterioration of sleep quality becomes particularly evident with the introduction of daylight saving time, when the clock is set forward, resulting in an hour of sleep deprivation. Although this change may seem minor, the consequences extend far beyond mere fatigue. Disruption of the natural rhythm of the biological clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, can have serious effects on our daily lives. The decline in sleep quality not only leads to fatigue but also increases the…
