Cellular chronobiology

All the body’s functions are subject to important biological rhythms, notably the 24-hour sleep/wake (circadian) rhythm, but also slow rhythms (monthly, such as the menstrual cycle) and very slow rhythms (such as puberty).

What is chronobiology? 

Chronobiology is the scientific study of biological rhythms and the consequences of their disruption.

Our brains, which act neither automatically, nor randomly, nor only on demand, are brilliantly adaptable and modifiable. Thus, they regulate the biological mechanisms of the human body in relation to the rhythms of time and environmental demands.

Wake/sleep alternation, body temperature, heart rate, sensations of hunger or alertness, blood pressure, regulation of hormones and immunity, activity, cell repair: all of these obey rules that follow biological rhythms.

All our biorhythms are dependent on the alternation of Day/Night.

This cyclical activity is orchestrated by an internal clock, located in the brain.

Its imbalance can lead to sleep problems, but also significant physiological disturbances at cell level and with regard to the proper functioning of the body.

In general :

• During the day, all cellular functions are focused on defence against “aggressions” (cell damage from free radicals, harmful microorganisms, light rays, temperature variations, etc.).
• Whereas during sleep, the functions are focused on cell renewal (multiplication, renewal of cells, tissues etc.).

The internal clock, on which our physiological activities depend, is set to 24 hours (corresponding to the circadian rhythm).

Chronobiology and joint pain

The day/night biological rhythm is fundamental in tissue metabolism.

Anabolism is the set of synthesis reactions allowing the construction and renewal of cells and therefore tissues, which mostly happens at night.

Conversely, catabolism is the set of reactions in the biochemical degradation of organic substances, which mostly happens during the day. Together they form the metabolism.

With age, an anabolism/catabolism imbalance can be created and cause joint pain.

Joint pain is the result of an imbalance between anabolism and catabolism within the cartilage matrix in the joints.

A chronobiological formula makes it possible to respect the body’s natural rhythms, by optimally providing the constituents needed by the body according to each phase of the day.