The Secret To A Healthier You – The 7-Day Biological Clock
- Apr 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Jeneve Clarke has dedicated her life to supporting others in achieving optimal health. With her vast expertise as a Nutritional Therapist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Solicitor, and Chartered Lawyer specializing in Gut Health, Endocrine health, and IP, she has a unique perspective on the importance of good health.
Do you ever feel like you're constantly racing against the clock, trying to get everything done before time runs out? Do you find yourself pushing harder and harder, trying to achieve more and do more until you feel like you're at the end of your rope? It's time to take a step back and listen to your body's natural rhythm, the 7-day biological clock.
Our bodies have an incredible ability to keep track of time, and every aspect of our lives is subject to this chronometer. From the beating of our hearts to the secretion of hormones, the body's internal clock governs every aspect of our biology. According to Professor Lewis Wolpert, "time is embedded in our genes". But did you know that there is a 7-day cycle that governs many aspects of our biology?
The 7-day cycle, also known as the circaseptan rhythm, is a biological rhythm that has been observed in many different species, including humans. According to the field of chronobiology, all life operates on this cycle, and there may be a biological need for rest on this day. While the daily circadian rhythm is well-known, the circaseptan rhythm is less understood but equally important.
It's no surprise that most of us look forward to Saturdays as a day to relax and pursue our own happiness. But chronobiology research also appears to support the concept of this 7-day cyclical rhythm to life. It's truly amazing how many different species, including humans, display these cyclical rhythms that last for 7 days in various aspects of their biology. Despite being exposed to different environmental and social factors, these rhythms continue to persist, indicating that it may be inherent in origin.
The medical implications of having a biological clock are profound, as our physical behaviors, moods, and emotions all oscillate according to a daily rhythm. But did you know that taking rest on the 7th day may have profound benefits for your health? Not only can it lead to improved cognitive function and decreased burnout, but it may also assist in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Research has shown that many different aspects of our biology operate on a 7-day cycle, including blood pressure, heart rate, blood chemistry, body temperature, kidney function, tooth development, urine chemistry, stress hormones, various neurotransmitters, and the immune system.
The benefits of rest and recovery according to biological clock
Rest and recovery are also crucial for our physical and mental well-being. Not only can it lead to improved cognitive function and decreased burnout, but it may also support the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. When we're constantly on the go, our bodies produce stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Studies have shown that circadian disruption is associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Overall, studies suggest that maintaining a regular circadian rhythm is important for optimal health and that disruptions to our biological clock can have serious health consequences. It is therefore important to remain cognizant of this when making the choice to willfully disregard our natural circadian rhythm (including the circaseptan rhythm).
In over 100 languages the day we call Saturday has a name close to Sabbath and means ‘rest’
It's fascinating to consider that the seven-day week, as we know it today, was not always a universal concept. The concept of a seven-day week appears to have part of its roots in the culture of the ancient Hebrews, who designated each day of the week by a number, rather than a name. The significance of the seven-day cycle for the Hebrews was closely tied to the religious commandment to observe the Sabbath day. According to Exodus 20:9-11, the Sabbath day was to be kept holy as a day of rest. The commandment further specified that work should be done for six days, but on the seventh day, one should rest, as it was the Sabbath day of the Lord.
What is interesting to note is that the Hebrews' tradition of observing the Sabbath day has endured and still influences societal behaviors in the present day. Throughout history, in more than 100 ancient and modern languages, the seventh day of the week (Saturday) has been commonly referred to as the 'Sabbath', which means “rest”. For example, in Spanish Saturday is called Sabado, in Russian Subboto, in Latin Sabbatum, in Italian Sabato and in Somali Sabti. This day is also considered sacred in many cultures and religions, including Judaism and Christianity, and is typically observed by refraining from work and engaging in religious activities, spending time with family and friends, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The concept of a day of rest has been an important aspect of human culture for centuries, and continues to hold significance in many societies around the world.
This fact is a testament to the lasting influence of ancient traditions and the power of cultural exchange on modern culture. It's a reminder that many of our present-day behaviors and practices are shaped by the traditions and customs of those who came before us. And in the case of the Sabbath day, it's a reminder of the importance of prioritising rest and recovery in our daily lives.
What can you do to promote your innate 7-day cyclical rhythm from a lifestyle perspective?
In conclusion, rest is a crucial component of our overall well-being. Our innate biological rhythm is a powerful force that needs to be embraced and prioritized. Taking time to rest and recharge every seven days can do wonders for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. By spending time in nature, reducing screen time, eliminating sources of stress, and practicing scriptural meditation and prayer, we can experience a profound sense of well-being that nourishes our mind, body, and soul. Remember, the seventh day is a blessed and sanctified day, and respecting this day of rest can greatly enhance our overall quality of life.
Genesis 2:2-3 ...' And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had made, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it; because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.'
Jeneve Clarke, Nutritional Therapist, Solicitor, Chartered Lawyer
Jeneve Clarke has dedicated her life to supporting others in achieving optimal health. With her vast expertise as a Nutritional Therapist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Solicitor, and Chartered Lawyer specializing in Gut Health, Endocrine health, and IP, she has a unique perspective on the importance of good health. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of dealing with IBS and Diabetes, Jeneve is passionate about helping others reclaim their health. She is the Founder of 'Nature's Physician Nutrition', a clinic and community wellness hub that provides accessible health services to all. Her practice is guided by the principles of the gospel, with her mission statement being 'Nature is God's Physician'
References:
The Rhythms of Life: The biological clocks that control the daily lives.., By Leon Kreitzman, Russell Foster.
Reinberg AE, Dejardin L, Smolensky MH, Touitou Y. Seven-day human biological rhythms: An expedition in search of their origin, synchronization, functional advantage, adaptive value and clinical relevance. Chronobiol Int. 2017;34(2):162-191. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2016.1236807. Epub 2016 Nov 10. PMID: 27830946.
Till Roenneberg, Martha Merrow, The Circadian Clock and Human Health, Current Biology, Volume 26, Issue 10, 2016, Pages R432-R443, ISSN 0960-9822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.04.011.
Fishbein AB, Knutson KL, Zee PC. Circadian disruption and human health. J Clin Invest. 2021 Oct 1;131(19):e148286. doi: 10.1172/JCI148286. PMID: 34596053; PMCID: PMC8483747.
Knutson, K. L., Van Cauter, E., Rathouz, P. J., Yan, L. L., Hulley, S. B., Liu, K., & Lauderdale, D. S. (2007). Association between sleep and blood pressure in midlife: the CARDIA sleep study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 167(14), 1485-1492.
