A new study, reviewed in the journal Trends in Cell Biology, analyzed the molecular architecture of the circadian clock in mammals.  The review considers the relationship between rhythms and environmental and metabolic stimuli.  By better understanding the molecular structure of the circadian rhythms, the authors assert that it is possible to create temporal therapies that improve health and wellbeing.

Researchers at Oxford University in the U.K. that teamed up with researchers from the Swiss drug manufacturer Roche have identified a link related to jet lag in mice, reports Reuters.  The team examined gene patterns in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), which control the biological rhythm of the body.  Scientists identified one molecule, called SIK1, which was the key for responding to light cycles.  Suppression of the activity of that molecule resulted in faster recovery from disturbances in cycles of dark and light.  The researchers argue that, if a corresponding molecule can be identified in humans, they could create a drug to suppress activity to cure jet lag.

According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, circadian rhythms are most well-known for regulating sleep.  However, they also regulate other physical, behavioral, and mental changes that occur over a period of 24 hours.  The scientists in this study specifically looked at the SCN, which is a group of nerve cells in the brain that control the rhythms.  The SCN is located just above the eyes and uses information about light levels to produce melatonin.  Other environmental and genetic factors influence rhythm.

Jet lag disorder is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs after travel across multiple time zones, reports the Mayo Clinic.  The body is still in a rhythm based on the old time zone, making it difficult to sleep and stay awake at the appropriate times.  In the new time zone, the light and dark clues that normally indicate to the body when it is time to sleep do not register because of jet lag.  The Mayo Clinic suggests that treatment is not necessary, but sleep medications or light therapy may be used to help the body adjust faster.

The American Academy of Sleep Disorders identifies a number of other conditions that can disturb the circadian rhythm.  For example, delayed sleep phase disorder results in going to sleep at least two hours later and waking up later in the morning.  The opposite condition, advanced sleep phase disorder, results in going to sleep and waking up several hours earlier.  Finally, irregular sleep-wake rhythm is a general term that refers to any undefined disturbance in the rhythm.