Introduction:
Abnormality in the 24-hour or circadian rhythm is very common in adults as they age; however, all these irregularities in the sleep-wake cycle can accelerate the pre-existing nervous system illness. It is also seen that there is an early onset of circadian irregularity before it is seen as a neurodegenerative disease. A few examples of this condition are dementia or forgetfulness, Alzheimer's (progressive forgetfulness), or Parkinson's disease (a clinical condition associated with brain cell death); it is also seen that such a disease shows a rapid change in the aggression of such clinical conditions. Although there is an evident correlation between the sleep-wake cycle and degenerative disease of the brain, the way exactly this happens still needs to be fully understood. However, the physiological events during this process include alterations in the protein breakdown in blood, immunity, and inflammatory functions of the brain.
What Is a Circadian Rhythm?
The circadian rhythm is a biological cycle that regulates a person's bodily functions with their surroundings every 24 hours, particularly the day-night cycle. This internal clock may exist in nearly all living things, from single-celled organisms to mammals, including humans. This circadian rhythm is regulated by a collection of genes and proteins in the body that interact with external factors such as light and temperature to keep it synchronized with the 24-hour day and night cycles.
What Are the Functions of the Circadian Rhythm?
The circadian rhythm regulates different body systems critical to a person's well-being and health. Some of the primary functions are:
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Regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.
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Influencing brain health.
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Regulating the hormone production cycle.
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Monitoring digestion and metabolism.
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Regulates body temperature
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Impacts mood and cognitive functioning.
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Support with the repair and regeneration of cells and tissues.
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Management of the body’s physiological functions.
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Synchronization of the organism and its environment
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Controls the body’s immune system.
What Are Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Neurodegenerative diseases are clinical conditions of the brain that occur when the brain cells slowly start to malfunction or die. This is a serious condition and needs immediate medical treatment because the brain cells do not have the nature to regenerate. In today's world, there is a very high incidence of these conditions, involving around 6.2 million people. Importance and awareness are given to this disease because prevention is always better than cure and due to the discrepancies in finding a permanent cure. It is also seen that neurodegenerative diseases progress with age, showing greater significance. When looking into the physiological events of neurodegenerative diseases, it is seen that the nerve cells in the brain, also called neurons or the peripheral nerves supplying the extremities of the body, gradually start to lose their function; this further progresses, affecting both physical and mental health of a person, without any cure.
What Are the Types of Neurodegenerative Diseases?
The commonly existing neurodegenerative diseases are:
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Alzheimer’s Disease: This is a condition of the brain characterized by increasing forgetfulness, memory loss, and abnormalities in behavior. It is mainly caused by the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques and their knots in the brain, resulting in neuron death. These protein lumps hinder the functioning of cells and cause inflammatory reactions. The signs and symptoms include trouble remembering recent events, disorientation, decreased judgment, and changes in mood and behavior. Over time, the condition advances to severe dementia, compromising everyday functioning and independence.
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Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that worsens over time and mostly affects motor function. It results from the death of neurons that produce dopamine in the spinal cord, resulting in a decrease in dopamine, which in turn affects motor control. The clinical symptoms include slowness of movement, tremors, stiffness of the muscles, and unstable posture, which are also known as the hallmarks of Parkinson's. Other signs and symptoms include anxiety, depression, digestive problems, memory loss, etc.
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Motor Neuron Disease: This progressive brain disorder leads to the death of motor neurons that control muscle action. Although the exact cause is unknown, environmental and genetic factors are considered to be related. Muscle atrophy and weakening are caused by upper and lower motor neuron degradation. Clinical conditions include spasms, tremors, and a gradual weakening that leads to muscle paralysis.
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Huntington’s Disease: This is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the Huntington gene, which results in abnormal protein deposition. This eventually causes the gradual loss of brain cells, especially in the basal ganglia region. Clinical features include muscle weakness, memory loss, and mental health issues.
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): This progressive neurodegenerative disease affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause is unknown; however, it might be genetic mutations or external factors. This condition causes muscle weakness, loss, and stiffness, leading to breathing difficulty and paralysis.
What Is the Correlation Between Circadian Rhythm and Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Given the functions of circadian rhythm, it is now clear that it predominantly covers almost all the systems and functions of the body, including the nervous system. So any disruption in the sleep-wake cycle of the circadian rhythm eventually leads to hormonal imbalances, disruption in the metabolism of the protein metabolism, acts as triggers for altered genes, inflammation of the body, mainly the nerves, etc. Not only that, but a good and balanced circadian rhythm indicates a good sleep cycle, giving the body and brain to rest and regenerate. So all these factors, along with environmental factors and habits like smoking, alcohol, late night work schedule, increased screen time, etc., accelerate degeneration of the nerve, further fastening the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases.
Conclusion:
In today's scenario, with increased nightlife patterns, there is a severe lack of sleep and an imbalance in the circadian rhythm. External factors like bright lights, noise, high music, temperature, etc, are some environmental factors that add up to an improper sleep cycle. To prevent an increase in the rate of brain deteriorating illnesses, proper awareness should be made in work communities, schools, and colleges with conscious habitual practice of limiting screen time. So, for better and healthier mental and behavioral brain coordination and function, practicing good and healthy habits and an adequate sleep cycle is necessary.
