Thu May 29 09:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:

**Summary:**

The article discusses the importance of circadian rhythms, the body’s internal 24-hour clock, and how it affects various physiological processes, health, and well-being. It explains the science behind circadian rhythms, including key genes and brain structures involved. The article emphasizes that light, food timing, and exercise act as “zeitgebers” (time-givers) that entrain the clock. Disruptions to circadian rhythms, caused by factors like travel, shift work, and screen exposure, can lead to various health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic issues, and poor mental health. It also suggests ways to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm through lifestyle modifications like morning sunlight exposure, timed meals, and exercise. Finally, the article touches upon the impact of chronotype on adolescents and suggests schools should consider later start times for teenagers.

**News Article:**

**Circadian Rhythms: How Your Body Clock Impacts Health and Well-being**

_Mumbai, May 29, 2025_ – From the unfurling of a plant’s leaves each morning to the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs, circadian rhythms exert a profound influence on nearly every aspect of life. A new article in The Hindu explores the science behind these internal 24-hour clocks and how their disruption can impact our health.

Circadian rhythms are governed by a “master clock” in the brain, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN receives signals from the environment, primarily light, and synchronizes other “peripheral clocks” located in organs throughout the body. These clocks regulate essential processes like sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, metabolism, and even immune responses.

“Light is the strongest zeitgeber, ‘time giver,’ for our circadian clock,” explains Rohini Karandikar, co-author of the piece and science communicator. Other factors, such as food timing and exercise, also play a significant role in entraining the clock.

Disruptions to circadian rhythms, common in modern life due to travel, shift work, and exposure to blue light from screens, can wreak havoc on health. Sleep disorders, metabolic issues like diabetes and obesity, and poor mental health are just some of the potential consequences.

“The timing of our meals directly affects the secondary clocks in organs such as the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract,” explains the article. High fat and alcohol consumption can disrupt circadian rhythms, and the metabolism of subsequent meals will affect physical activity and nocturnal feeding.

The article highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm by prioritizing morning sunlight exposure, eating meals at consistent times, and incorporating regular exercise. It also addresses the challenges faced by adolescents, whose natural sleep patterns often clash with early school start times. Researchers and experts recommend that school timings be rescheduled so that classes start later for adolescents in synchrony with their natural circadian rhythms.

“Considering chronotypes in a work environment, whether a person is a morning lark or night owl can also help individuals be both productive and healthy,” Karandikar adds.

Understanding and respecting our body’s natural rhythms is key to optimizing health and well-being. The article provides valuable insights into how we can better align our lives with our internal clocks, promoting better sleep, improved metabolism, and enhanced overall health.

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