Changes in Circadian Rhythm as You Age
As you age, your peak energy time will naturally shift, even though you cannot change your chronotype. This is why parents and their children often have different periods of high energy throughout the day. On average, young children tend to experience high energy levels in the early morning, while teenagers reach their peak in the afternoon.
Parents often complain about how difficult it is to get their teenagers out of bed in the morning. However, this behavior is not just laziness; it is actually influenced by their circadian rhythm. In response to this, some schools have adjusted their schedules to allow teenage students to start later in the day. This change can have a positive impact on their ability to retain information and learn effectively.
As you enter adulthood, your circadian rhythm begins to settle into your chronotype, determining your natural sleep and wake patterns.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Understanding Abnormal Sleep Patterns
When it comes to abnormal sleep patterns, medical science classifies them as circadian rhythm disorders (CRD). These disorders can be categorized into two groups, depending on the underlying cause. Extrinsic CRDs are triggered by external factors, such as changes in the environment. For instance, individuals who work night shifts often experience a disruption in their circadian rhythm due to limited exposure to daylight. On the other hand, intrinsic CRDs are considered more severe as they stem from internal issues. Emotional, hormonal, or genetic complications can contribute to the development of these disorders.
Various conditions are associated with circadian rhythm disorders, including: