How Your Circadian Rhythm Affects Your Health

How Your Circadian Rhythm Affects Your Health

Have you ever noticed that you feel more susceptible to asthma attacks in the evening, or skin allergies in the afternoon? It's not just random. The Wall Street Journal put together a handy chart that shows when you body is most susceptible to certain health problems.

Because of the way your body works and your circadian clock, certain health risks come up at different times of the day. For example, blood pressure tends to be lowest overnight and highest around 9pm. Or skin allergies worsen in the afternoon because your natural itch-fighting chemicals start to run out. It's not just a set of bad news though, you can use this to your advantage as well. To that end, it's best to take certain drugs at certain times of the day. Unless you doctor says otherwise, diuretics, osteoporosis drugs, stimulants, osteoarthritis drugs and thyroid medication are best taken in the morning. Acid blockers, beta blockers, daily aspirin, statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids are best taken at night.

Of course, mileage may vary if you're travelling or not on a standard schedule, but if you feel like you're getting certain flare-ups at certain times of the day, it's not all in your head.

Your Body's Witching Hours [The Wall Street Journal]


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