Can changing eating time aid healthy ageing? Study sheds light
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A study published in the journal Science suggested that adjusting eating times to manipulate the circadian rhythm, which governs our sleep-wake cycles, may protect muscle function among older individuals.
Our bodies operate on an internal clock called the circadian rhythm, which orchestrates our sleep-wake cycles. This rhythm is finely tuned by exposure to light and darkness, and disruptions to it, such as those experienced by shift workers, can have significant health ramifications.
As we age, changes in our sleep-wake cycle often accompany the loss of muscle mass. Research suggests a close interplay between these two phenomena. While most individuals experience a shift towards earlier sleep hours with age, some, particularly those with neurodegenerative conditions, may encounter severe irregularities in their sleep patterns.
Clock genes play a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms. As animals age, studies have observed a decline in the expression of these genes, potentially leading to disruptions in their circadian rhythms. While human research in this area is still limited, similar mechanisms could be at play.
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