What is a circadian rhythm?

The circadian rhythm refers to your body’s internal biological clock. It’s something that we are all born with and it’s an evolutionary mechanism that is built into our brains.

The circadian rhythm dictates our sleep-wake cycle in response to light. When the daylight begins to fade in the evenings, it causes the pineal gland in the brain to produce melatonin, which causes you to feel sleepy. Melatonin peaks between 11 pm and 3 am, before its levels begin to fall as the sun rises once again.

Everybody’s circadian rhythm follows a similar pattern, although there are slight variations between individuals. You can support your natural circadian rhythm by having a regular sleep routine and exposing yourself to natural sunlight in the mornings when you first wake up.