Night work, long-haul flights, and changing work schedules can make it difficult for the body to keep up.
When the circadian rhythm is disrupted, many people experience fatigue, sleep problems, and reduced performance.
For this reason, researchers are seeking new ways to help the body adapt more quickly.
A well-known problem
The circadian rhythm regulates, among other things, sleep, hormones, and energy levels.
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When the internal rhythm does not match the environment, it can take several days to regain balance. This is particularly true when traveling eastward or working at night.
According to research, methods such as light therapy and melatonin have had limited effect.
They often work only if used at very specific times, and the results vary from person to person.
New pill
Japanese researchers have investigated a new compound, Mic-628, which can affect the circadian rhythm in mice.
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The study has been published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Osaka University reports that the compound activates a gene called Period1, which plays an important role in the body’s internal clock.
In the experiments, the compound was administered orally to mice. Regardless of when they received it, their circadian rhythm shifted forward.
In an experiment simulating jet lag, the mice adapted more quickly to a new circadian rhythm than usual.
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What does this mean?
The results point to a new way of regulating the circadian rhythm. In the long term, this could have implications for people who work night shifts or travel frequently.
The researchers emphasize, however, that the findings are based solely on animal experiments so far.
The problem is therefore not solved, but the research has opened up a new possibility that now needs to be investigated further.
Sources: Medical Xpress, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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