Circadian rhythm fatigue is primarily caused by what?

Circadian rhythm fatigue is primarily caused by the body's natural "down time" because our bodies are regulated by internal biological clocks that operate on a roughly 24-hour cycle, known as circadian rhythms. These rhythms influence our sleep-wake cycles, hormonal release, body temperature, and other bodily functions. During the night or specific times of day, the body naturally expects to rest, leading to feelings of fatigue if these cycles are disrupted.

This natural down time promotes restorative processes; when we ignore our body's signals and push ourselves to stay awake or engage in activities outside our typical schedule, we can experience fatigue that is fundamentally tied to this misalignment with our internal clock. Proper alignment with circadian rhythms contributes to overall health, alertness, and cognitive function.

Other factors like lack of sleep, excess screen time, and dietary habits can certainly influence fatigue levels, but they are often secondary to the primary impact of circadian rhythms. Failing to respect these rhythms by staying awake during the hours when our body is programmed to rest can have profound effects on our alertness and energy levels, manifesting as circadian rhythm fatigue.