Photo: geralt/Pixabay
Every person has an inner clock, called a circadian rhythm, that ensures each physiological process is optimized depending on the time of day.
This rhythm dictates our sleep, hormones, eating and digestion habits, and body temperature. It can play an important role in overall health, according to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
Scientists are interested in learning more about circadian rhythms in order to help people know the best times of day to sleep, eat, exercise or take medications. But traditionally these studies involve participants living in a time-isolation clinic for several days, where researchers control light and dark periods.