Suprachiasmatic Nucleus, Melanopsin? What the Heck?
Our bodies have an internal biological clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is essential for our health and well-being, as it controls various physiological processes, including metabolism, hormone health, blood sugar, inflammation, and even cancer development. In this article, we will discuss the critical importance of having a proper circadian rhythm and the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and melanopsin in regulating it.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a tiny group of cells in the brain's hypothalamus region that acts as the master clock in the body. The SCN receives light signals from the eyes, specifically the retinal ganglion cells that contain the photopigment melanopsin. This pigment is sensitive to blue light, which is most abundant in natural sunlight and some artificial light sources.
When light signals hit the SCN, they stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that activate various physiological processes. This stimulation is critical to keeping our circadian rhythm synchronized with the natural 24-hour day-night cycle. It helps us fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning, but it also influences other critical physiological processes.
One of the most crucial processes regulated by the circadian rhythm is metabolism. Our bodies have evolved to function best during the daytime when food is abundant, and we need the energy to stay active. This means that our metabolic processes are most active during the day and slow down at night when we are supposed to be resting. Disrupting our circadian rhythm by staying up late, working night shifts, or jet lag can interfere with these metabolic processes and lead to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. It is also profoundly affected by artificial light from LED light bulbs, phones, computers, tvs and iPads. Which is why protecting our eyes from blue light at night time is critical. I would argue your metabolism will never be optimal without doing so
The circadian rhythm also affects hormone health, including the production of melatonin, cortisol, and other hormones that regulate sleep, stress, and other physiological functions. When our circadian rhythm is disrupted, our hormone levels can be thrown off balance, leading to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and even depression.
Blood sugar regulation is also closely tied to the circadian rhythm. Our bodies release insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, and this process is also linked to our metabolic processes. Disrupting our circadian rhythm can interfere with insulin production, leading to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Inflammation is another physiological process that is regulated by the circadian rhythm. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. A disrupted circadian rhythm can increase inflammation levels, leading to a higher risk of these diseases.
Finally, studies have linked an irregular circadian rhythm with an increased risk of cancer. Disrupting the circadian rhythm can interfere with the body's natural processes for repairing DNA damage and regulating cell growth, leading to an increased risk of cancer development.
In conclusion, having a proper circadian rhythm is critical for our health and well-being. The suprachiasmatic nucleus and melanopsin play a crucial role in regulating this rhythm, and disruptions to this process can lead to various health problems. By prioritizing good sleep habits and avoiding disruptions to our circadian rhythm, we can support our bodies' natural processes and reduce the risk of various diseases.
The best way to support yourself is wear red colored, blue light blocking glasses at night time. The kind I wear are from RA Optics. They have been independently tested to ensure they appropriately block blue light (99%+). I have also tested them with my spectrometer. Make sure you get the red ones. If you have “clearish” ones, they don’t do anything. Yellow do about 60% and are best used during the daytime if you are parked in front of a computer and under artificial light all day long.
Check out RA optics. Clients of mine receive 10% off their orders. For many of you, this is a huge missing link.
DR B