The impacts on circadian rhythm and melatonin production in visually impaired people

Light is captured through photoreceptors in the eyes which transmit this to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), or internal body clock, via a dedicated neural pathway. Each day the light-dark cycle resets the internal clock, which in turn synchronizes physiological and behavioural patterns known as our circadian rhythms. People who are visual impaired with no perception…

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When should I sleep?

Our levels of alertness and attention are influenced by our circadian rhythms, as shown in the figure below. Circadian rhythms allow us to feel more alert during the day and……

Sleep & physical activity

Do I exercise or just have a sleep? It is not uncommon for people experiencing fatigue to put this down to lack of sleep, when in actual fact there are……

Why is fatigue a problem?

The consequences of fatigue are unpredictable. They can range in severity and should not be taken lightly. The simple act of falling asleep may result in something as harmless as……

Mood & physical activity

Think about the last time you took a brisk walk. How did you feel afterwards? I bet you felt good! You don’t have to wait for the good feeling physical……

Napping

Effective napping is a skill, which cannot be achieved by everyone. Napping cannot replace sleep, but can assist in times of sleep debt, extreme tiredness and/or when heightened alertness is……

Managing mental health with your lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is paramount for the treatment and prevention of mood disorders. Healthy lifestyle includes a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise and reduced alcohol consumption. Lifestyle changes help……

Getting enough exercise

We’ve talked about all the benefits of physical activity, but how do we know your fitness is causing you to lack energy and feel fatigued? Ask yourself these questions: Do……

I don’t have enough time to exercise?

I am too busy at work and my work hours are too long. Despite advances in technology, many of us still spend more – rather than less – time at……

Are you exercising hard enough?

A word of caution.If you have been inactive for a while, you may want to start with less strenuous activities such as walking or swimming at a comfortable pace. Beginning……

Assessing your Fatigue

Your personal safety, and the safety of those around you, is dependent on three factors when it comes to fatigue: recognition that you are feeling fatigued;understanding the potential consequences of……