
That's because light influences the regulation of melatonin, a hormone that helps synchronize cells throughout the body.Ĭertain cells in the tissue at the back of your eye (retina) transmit the light signals to an area of your brain called the hypothalamus.Īt night, when the light signal is low, the hypothalamus tells the pineal gland, a small organ situated in the brain, to release melatonin. The influence of sunlightĪ key influence on your internal clock is sunlight.


That means you're ready for bed just as Parisians are waking up.Īnd because it takes a few days for your body to adjust, your sleep-wake cycle, along with most other body functions, such as hunger and bowel habits, remains out of step with the rest of Paris. Wednesday, your internal clock still thinks it's 1 a.m. Jet lag occurs because crossing multiple time zones puts your internal clock (circadian rhythms), which regulates your sleep-wake cycle, out of sync with the time in your new locale.įor example, if you leave New York on a flight at 4 p.m. Jet lag can occur anytime you cross two or more time zones. This is because antibiotics do not work for viral infections.Ī sample of your mucus may need to be tested to see what's causing your chest infection.Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes A disruption to your circadian rhythms They're not used for treating viral chest infections, like flu or viral bronchitis.

Treatment will depend on the cause of your chest infection. To contact your GP surgery:įind out about using the NHS during COVID-19 Treatment from a GP It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. Information: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: how to contact a GP
