Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP
Circadian rhythms are intrinsic biological cycles that align our physiological processes with the 24-hour rotation of the Earth. While the concept of circadian rhythms is familiar to many in the context of sleep-wake cycles, its scope extends much further, governing hormonal regulation, digestion, metabolism, immune responses, and cognitive performance. In chiropractic neurology, circadian rhythms are seen as vital to maintaining nervous system health and overall well-being. Disruptions to these rhythms can negatively impact neurological function, leading to a cascade of health problems.
In this article, we will explore the science of circadian rhythms from a chiropractic neurology standpoint, how they influence the nervous system, and how chiropractic care can help optimize these rhythms for better health. We’ll also examine the latest research, techniques, and practical lifestyle adjustments that chiropractors can recommend to regulate circadian function.
What Are Circadian Rhythms?
Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles in the physiological processes of living organisms, including humans. These rhythms are driven by a biological clock located in the brain, specifically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The SCN acts as a master clock, synchronizing peripheral clocks located in various tissues and organs, which collectively regulate everything from sleep patterns to hormone release, digestion, and even mood.
External cues, or zeitgebers—with light being the most significant—serve to align these endogenous rhythms with the environment. However, the SCN can still maintain its rhythm even in the absence of these cues, though it may become less precise over time. Disruptions in circadian rhythms, often referred to as circadian misalignment, have been linked to various health issues, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive decline.
The Neurological Impact of Circadian Rhythms
The connection between circadian rhythms and the nervous system is profound. Circadian rhythms affect not only sleep and wakefulness but also cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. Any disruption in these rhythms can place additional stress on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
The ANS is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the body’s “fight-or-flight” responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which supports “rest-and-digest” functions. A well-regulated circadian rhythm maintains a delicate balance between these two systems, promoting optimal health and vitality. However, circadian misalignment can lead to an overstimulation of the SNS, triggering chronic stress, inflammation, and other health issues.
From a chiropractic neurology perspective, this becomes particularly important when addressing the body’s ability to regulate itself. Chiropractic neurologists emphasize that disturbances in the nervous system—often caused by spinal misalignments, or vertebral subluxations—can interfere with the proper functioning of the brain, hypothalamus, and the SCN, ultimately contributing to circadian rhythm dysfunction.
How Chiropractic Neurology Addresses Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Chiropractic neurology takes a holistic approach to managing circadian rhythm disruptions by focusing on the health of the nervous system and its ability to regulate various biological cycles.
Below are several chiropractic neurology interventions aimed at restoring circadian balance:
- Spinal Adjustments: Spinal misalignments, or vertebral subluxations, can cause dysfunction the brain’s ability to ‚feel‘ the body, a sense commonly called proprioception. When subluxations occur, they can disrupt the body’s autonomic balance, which can negatively affect sleep, digestion, and cognitive function. Chiropractors use precise spinal adjustments and myofascial therapies to restore proper alignment, enhancing proprioception. This can help restore the nervous system’s ability to maintain healthy circadian rhythms. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine highlighted the positive impact of chiropractic spinal adjustments on sleep quality, particularly in individuals with sleep disturbances such as insomnia. The study emphasized that spinal adjustments could influence the parasympathetic branch of the ANS, promoting relaxation and facilitating better sleep-wake cycles .
- Neurofeedback Therapy: Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that helps retrain the brain to regulate itself more efficiently. Chiropractic neurologists often use neurofeedback to address circadian rhythm disturbances by directly targeting brainwave patterns. Neurofeedback can help regulate brain activity that may be out of sync due to circadian misalignment, such as irregular sleep-wake cycles in patients with chronic insomnia, shift work disorder, or jet lag. A systematic review published in Frontiers in Neuroscience highlighted neurofeedback’s efficacy in improving sleep latency and quality in individuals with circadian rhythm-related sleep disorders. By improving brainwave synchronization, neurofeedback has shown promise in helping individuals regulate their circadian cycles, promoting better overall neurological function .
- Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: Circadian rhythm disruptions often influence the body’s stress response, particularly through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs cortisol release. Chronic circadian misalignment, such as that experienced by shift workers or frequent travelers, can lead to dysregulation of the HPA axis, resulting in abnormal cortisol levels that can exacerbate stress, inflammation, and sleep disturbances.
Chiropractic neurologists aim to normalize HPA axis function through a combination of spinal adjustments, neurofeedback, and lifestyle modifications. These interventions help recalibrate cortisol release patterns and restore balance to the body’s circadian rhythms.
Lifestyle Modifications to Support Circadian Health
In addition to spinal adjustments and neurofeedback therapy, chiropractic neurologists often recommend lifestyle changes that support the body’s natural circadian rhythm. These lifestyle adjustments include:
- Optimizing Light Exposure: Light is the most powerful zeitgeber for regulating circadian rhythms. Chiropractors advise patients to increase their exposure to natural sunlight during the day, which helps synchronize the SCN with the external environment. Conversely, reducing exposure to artificial light, particularly blue light from screens, in the evening can promote melatonin production, facilitating better sleep.
- Establishing a Regular Sleep-Wake Schedule: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to regulate circadian rhythms is to maintain a consistent sleep-wake schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, helps anchor the body’s biological clock, promoting better overall health.
- Nutrition and Supplementation: Chiropractic neurologists may recommend specific dietary adjustments to support circadian function. Foods rich in magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve sleep quality by supporting nervous system health. In some cases, supplementation with melatonin may be recommended for short-term use to help realign the circadian clock, especially in individuals experiencing jet lag or shift work disorder.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Chronic stress can further disrupt circadian rhythms by overstimulating the SNS. Chiropractic neurologists often incorporate stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to help balance the autonomic nervous system and improve circadian health.
Chiropractic Neurology and the Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) are often linked to circadian rhythm disruptions. Chiropractic neurology offers a non-invasive, drugfree approach to treating these conditions by addressing the underlying neurological imbalances that contribute to sleep disturbances.
Research has shown that chiropractic care can positively impact sleep quality and duration. In one study, individuals who received chiropractic adjustments reported significant improvements in sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and sleep efficiency (the percentage of time spent asleep during the night) . The study emphasized the role of the nervous system in sleep regulation and highlighted how chiropractic interventions could help recalibrate circadian rhythms in patients suffering from chronic sleep disturbances.
The Role of Chiropractic Neurology in Preventing Neurodegenerative Diseases
Emerging research suggests a strong link between circadian rhythm disruptions and the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Circadian misalignment has been shown to accelerate cognitive decline by impairing the brain’s ability to clear toxins during sleep. The brain’s waste clearance system, the glymphatic system, operates most efficiently during deep sleep, which is regulated by circadian rhythms.
Chiropractic neurology may play a preventative role by helping patients maintain healthy circadian rhythms, thus reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disease. By addressing the root causes of circadian misalignment—such as subluxations, autonomic imbalances, and stress—chiropractors can help patients preserve cognitive function and promote long-term neurological health.
Final Thoughts
Circadian rhythms are central to our health and well-being, regulating everything from sleep to cognition, metabolism, and immune function. Disruptions to these rhythms can lead to a wide range of health problems, many of which are rooted in the nervous system. Chiropractic neurology offers a unique approach to restoring circadian balance by focusing on spinal health, nervous system function, and lifestyle modifications.
Through spinal adjustments, neurofeedback, and targeted lifestyle changes, chiropractic neurologists can help patients optimize their circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep, reduced stress, and improved overall health. In an increasingly fast-paced, modern world where circadian disruptions are common, the importance of maintaining a well-regulated circadian rhythm cannot be overstated.
If you or someone you love would like to learn more about circadian rhythms and how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
References
- Cohen, S., & Burns, K. (2019). Chiropractic care and insomnia: A review of literature. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 15(7), 1029-1036. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.7910
- Albrecht, U. (2012). Timing to perfection: The biology of central and peripheral circadian clocks. Neuron, 74(2), 246-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.04.006
- Montaruli, A., Castelli, L., Mulè, A., & Roveda, E. (2021). Circadian rhythm and sleep disorders: The importance of a precise definition. Chronobiology International, 38(8), 1067-1076. https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2021.1923302
- Leigh, H., & Duan, X. (2020). Neurofeedback for improving sleep: A systematic review of the literature. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 757. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00757