How Your Body Knows What Time It Is: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Internal Clock

How Your Body Clock Works: The Science of Time Perception

Have you ever wondered how your body knows when to wake up, when to eat, or even when to react to a speeding object? The answer lies within an intricate system of internal timekeepers that govern our daily lives. This system, deeply rooted in our brains, orchestrates everything from sleep cycles to hormone secretion.

The Pioneering Experiments of Michel Siffre

In 1962, Michel Siffre, a cave explorer, conducted a series of remarkable experiments. He isolated himself underground for months, devoid of sunlight and clocks. Monitored by electrodes tracking his vital signs, Siffre's experiment revealed a fascinating truth: even without external cues, his body maintained a regular sleep-wake cycle. This groundbreaking discovery unveiled the existence of what we now call the circadian rhythm.

Understanding Circadian Rhythms

The circadian rhythm, derived from the Latin phrase