What is the Origin of Circadian Dysrhythmia?

The term combines "circadian," from the Latin circa diem meaning "about a day," with "dysrhythmia," indicating a disturbance in rhythm or regularity. It is a core concept in chronobiology and sleep medicine, defining a pathological condition of the body's temporal organization. The etiology often involves shift work, jet lag, or chronic exposure to artificial light at night.

What is the Mechanism of Circadian Dysrhythmia?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus fails to properly entrain to external zeitgebers, primarily light. This failure results in the aberrant timing of hormone pulses, such as the nocturnal peak of melatonin and the morning surge of cortisol. This hormonal chaos disrupts glucose metabolism, immune function, and reproductive cycles. Correcting this dysrhythmia is essential for mitigating cardiometabolic risk.

Circadian Dysrhythmia ∞ Area

Circadian Dysrhythmia

Meaning

A clinical state characterized by a misalignment or disruption of the body’s intrinsic 24-hour biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm, with the external light-dark cycle or social schedule. This profound desynchronization affects the predictable timing of numerous physiological processes, including hormone secretion, core body temperature, and sleep-wake cycles. It is a recognized stressor on the endocrine system and overall metabolic health, compromising long-term wellness.