Stress and disrupted circadian rhythm affect metabolism

The researchers studied mice models in the laboratory wherein they introduced genetic alterations in various parts of the circadian rhythm machinery. They also exposed the mice to social stress, wherein they exposed the male mice to an unknown and dominant male. The male mice had increased stress responses depending on the time they were exposed to the stress.

In series of experiments, the team also found that the stress responses were also dependent on the internal body clock, and body weight and food intake had been negatively affected when stress happens during their inactive phase, which is during the daytime in mouse, and night-time in humans. Therefore, they found that repeated exposure to stress negatively affected metabolism, due to long-lasting effects on stress responses.

The experiments shed light on who shift-work, chronic stress, jet lag, and lack of good sleep can lead to metabolic disorders. Today, many people are faced with metabolic diseases, including obesity. Many people who are working night shifts, or those who are constantly exposed to stress, suffer from disrupted circadian rhythm. They also experience weight gain and altered metabolism.