Your circadian rhythm is the pattern your body follows based on a 24-hour day — it’s the name given to your body’s internal clock. This rhythm tells your body when to sleep and when to wake up. It also affects several other body processes, like your hormones, digestion and body temperature.

Think of circadian rhythms as your body's biological clock—any disruption can affect sleep and overall health. These natural rhythms rise and fall in a 24-hour cycle, drive physical and mental changes, and affect behavior. Circadian rhythms prompt us to sleep at night and wake up in the morning.

A circadian rhythm is a natural process that regulates your body's sleep and wake patterns, among other key functions. It's often described as an internal clock that operates on a roughly 24-hour cycle, influencing when you sleep, wake, eat, and more.

Circadian rhythms regulate our internal clock, notably our sleep-wake patterns. Exposure to bright light in the morning and darkness in the evening helps synchronize your sleep-wake schedule. Natural light, a regular sleep schedule, and exercise are key to maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm.

Circadian rhythm, also known as the sleep-wake cycle, is the internal clock that regulates the body’s sleep and wake cycles over a 24-hour time period. The circadian rhythm also regulates many physiological functions, including blood pressure, core temperature, and metabolism.