Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Treatment Options
Your body operates on an intricate 24-hour internal clock called your circadian rhythm, orchestrated by approximately 20,000 neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of your hypothalamus. This master biological timekeeper doesn’t just regulate sleep and wakefulness—it coordinates hormone release, body temperature, metabolism, immune function, and cognitive performance throughout each day. When this clock falls out of sync with the external light-dark cycle or your social obligations, the result is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder, a distinct category of medical conditions with measurable physiological consequences.