Restricted Feeding Essay
Effects of Restricted Feeding on the Circadian Cycles
Most living systems undergo circadian rhythms, an internal clock that regulates bodily functions within roughly a 24-hour cycle. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) clock, a type of peripheral and oscillator clock, is the controlling center of circadian rhythms in living organisms.
Circadian rhythm abnormalities can lead to potential disruptions in sleep patterns due to multiple factors. Changes in circadian rhythms can be due to both photic and nonphotic factors. One nononphotic factor that has been discovered is restricted-feeding(RF) which denotes to an unusual feeding schedule. In a study with rodents, four groups of mice were compared based on the same food intake, but with different feeding schedules (meal-fed in early darkness=MFD, …show more content…
AshGoldflower - Bio100 Winter 2017 - A3D1. Page 1 of 3
Circadian rhythm disruptions caused by restricted feeding is important because in a fastpaced living style, people may not realize the harm they are causing to their body and to their sleeping patterns by not maintaining a consistent feeding schedule. Gaining knowledge on how to reduce the levels of restricted feeding can prevent changes in liver rhythms that lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and gastrointestinal symptoms. This knowledge would be beneficial for shift workers and travelers.
Although multiple studies have observed the effects of restricted feeding on circadian cycles, the concept of the level of motor activity was not studied thoroughly. Based on previous research, it was proposed that scheduled feeding during a specific time interval is a key component that affects circadian rhythm. I hypothesize that restricted feeding during darkness
(night time) leads to alterations in circadian rhythm due to the ghrelin (hormone released that increases appetite) levels surpassing the hormone levels of melatonin which is required to increase the body’s need for
Most living systems undergo circadian rhythms, an internal clock that regulates bodily functions within roughly a 24-hour cycle. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) clock, a type of peripheral and oscillator clock, is the controlling center of circadian rhythms in living organisms.
Circadian rhythm abnormalities can lead to potential disruptions in sleep patterns due to multiple factors. Changes in circadian rhythms can be due to both photic and nonphotic factors. One nononphotic factor that has been discovered is restricted-feeding(RF) which denotes to an unusual feeding schedule. In a study with rodents, four groups of mice were compared based on the same food intake, but with different feeding schedules (meal-fed in early darkness=MFD, …show more content…
AshGoldflower - Bio100 Winter 2017 - A3D1. Page 1 of 3
Circadian rhythm disruptions caused by restricted feeding is important because in a fastpaced living style, people may not realize the harm they are causing to their body and to their sleeping patterns by not maintaining a consistent feeding schedule. Gaining knowledge on how to reduce the levels of restricted feeding can prevent changes in liver rhythms that lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and gastrointestinal symptoms. This knowledge would be beneficial for shift workers and travelers.
Although multiple studies have observed the effects of restricted feeding on circadian cycles, the concept of the level of motor activity was not studied thoroughly. Based on previous research, it was proposed that scheduled feeding during a specific time interval is a key component that affects circadian rhythm. I hypothesize that restricted feeding during darkness
(night time) leads to alterations in circadian rhythm due to the ghrelin (hormone released that increases appetite) levels surpassing the hormone levels of melatonin which is required to increase the body’s need for