We live in a world that rarely slows down—late-night work, glowing screens, and irregular schedules have become the norm. But what if I told you that constantly ignoring your body’s natural rhythms could put you at risk for serious diseases, including heart disease and breast cancer? The key to understanding this lies in our circadian rhythm—our body’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleep, metabolism, and cellular repair among other bodily processes.
When we disrupt this cycle—whether through shift work, artificial light exposure, or poor sleep habits—our body struggles to maintain balance, leading to what scientists call circadian misalignment. This misalignment isn’t just about feeling tired—it can lead to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and an increased risk of life-threatening illnesses.
For example, studies show that circadian misalignment is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. One factor in this equation is melatonin, a hormone produced at night that helps regulate estrogen and suppress tumor growth. Exposure to bright light at night—whether from streetlights or phone screens—suppresses melatonin, potentially increasing cancer risk. The World Health Organization has even classified night shift work as a probable carcinogen, highlighting the serious consequences of living against our natural rhythms.
The same is true for heart disease. Our cardiovascular system follows a circadian cycle, with blood pressure and heart rate fluctuating throughout the day. But when sleep schedules are irregular or disrupted, these natural patterns break down, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Research shows that shift workers—who often experience chronic circadian misalignment—also face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
So what can we do to protect our health? The answer lies in realigning with our natural rhythms. Prioritize consistent sleep schedules, reduce blue light exposure at night, and seek natural sunlight in the morning to reinforce your body’s internal clock. Small changes—like dimming lights before bed or setting regular wake times—can make a big difference in reducing health risks.
Circadian misalignment is more than just a sleep issue—it’s a silent threat to our long-term health. By respecting our body’s natural clock, we can take a simple yet powerful step toward preventing disease and living longer, healthier lives.
Keeping you in the dark,
The Western Slope Dark Sky Coalition