What are the effects on circadian rhythms?
Many human physical functions follow a daily rhythm or a 24-hour cycle. These cycles are called circadian rhythms. The word circadian comes from the Latin “circa dies” which means “about a day.” Sleeping, waking, digestion, secretion of adrenalin, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and many other important aspects of body functions and human behaviour are regulated by this 24-hour cycle. These rhythmical processes are coordinated to allow for high activity during the day and low activity at night. Normally, the body uses cues from its processes and from the environment such as clock time, social activities, the light/dark cycle, and meal times to keep the various rhythms on track. For example, body temperature is highest during the afternoon and early evening (6:00 p.m.) and lowest in the early morning (4:00 a.m. or just before sunrise). However, if the person is working at night, the body temperature does not have as much variation during a 24-hour period as it would normally. Th
