"Time Travel: How Our Body Clock Works and Overcoming Jet Lag"

 

Have you ever wondered how our body knows what time it is? How it knows when to wake up and when to sleep? Our body clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is responsible for regulating these daily cycles. In this article, we'll explore how our body clock works and how we can overcome jet lag with the help of an app.

The Circadian Rhythm and Our Body Clock

Our body clock is controlled by a group of cells in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN receives signals from the eyes about the amount of light and darkness in the environment. These signals help to regulate the production of hormones like melatonin, which controls our sleep-wake cycle.

The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour cycle that our body follows. It regulates our sleep, hunger, and body temperature, among other things. Disruptions to this rhythm, like jet lag or shift work, can have negative effects on our health, such as fatigue, insomnia, and even chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Overcoming Jet Lag with Entrain

Jet lag occurs when our body clock is disrupted by traveling across different time zones. Our body needs time to adjust to the new schedule, leading to symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and headaches. However, there's an app that can help us overcome jet lag faster.

Entrain is an app developed by a professor that helps people overcome jet lag by adjusting their light exposure. The app uses a differential equation to calculate the best light exposure schedule for each individual. By following the schedule, the body can adjust to the new time zone faster, allowing people to enjoy their trip without suffering from jet lag symptoms.

Food for Thought

While apps like Entrain can help us overcome jet lag, it's important to remember that our body clock is a delicate system that needs to be respected. Disruptions to the rhythm, like irregular sleep schedules or exposure to blue light at night, can have negative effects on our health. So next time you're planning a trip, remember to take care of your body clock and give it time to adjust to the new schedule.