As the body wakes, the adrenal glands start to release cortisol.
The Body’s
Rhythm
Is there a best time of day
to exercise?
Why are teenagers so often tired?
How the body’s circadian clock works.
The Body’s
SCROLL TO START
05:00
adrenal glands
kidneys
Cortisol levels peak.
The body is ready to be active.
After slowing down overnight,
the intestines start working again.
pienal glands
Melatonin, the sleep hormone,
reaches its lowest level.
Alertness reaches its peak.
Concentration improves.
Both cardiovascular performance
and muscle strength peak.
It is the best time to exercise.
Body temperature peaks.
A sign that the body’s metabolism is active.
Melatonin production begins.
The body starts winding down.
The digestive system slows down so that bowel activity does not disturb sleep.
Cortisol levels are at their lowest.
Melatonin levels peak.
The body is primed for sleep.
Body temperature reaches its lowest point.
A sign that the body’s metabolism is in a resting state.
The times given are averages, so they will not be the same for everyone.
This content was produced by Large Network for Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV).
Sources:
BMJ
CHUV
Large Network
«Nature»
OFS
Planète Santé
«Revue médicale suisse»
DID YOU KNOW?
Too little sleep slows your reactions,
much like four glasses of wine would.
DID YOU KNOW?
Teenagers naturally fall asleep later
because their body clock shifts during adolescence.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mortality falls when daylight saving time begins.
Mortality rises slightly in October when the clocks go back, even with the extra hour of sleep.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have demonstrated this effect.
Key TAKEAWAYS
Melatonin is the sleep hormone.
Cortisol is one of the hormones that promotes wakefulness.