| Almost all physiological and biochemical
processes within the human body follow a circadian rhythm. In humans, the suprachiasmatic nucleus
regulates sleep-wake cycle and other daily biorhythms in line with solar
time. Such diurnal variations, among
other factors, have been shown to regulate key physiological processes involved
in athletic performance. Generally, peak
performances have been found to occur in the early evening, coinciding with the
peak of core body temperature. The
increase in core body temperature has been shown to increase energy metabolism,
improve muscle compliance, and facilitate actin-myosin cross-bridging. Research also suggests that if athletes
arrange their training sessions at a time of their peak performance, their
adaptations to training would be greater.
In addition to diurnal variations in physiological processes, the
individual preference for daytime or nighttime activities is another important
factor that should be taken into account when studying the effect of circadian
rhythm on sports performance. Athletes
participating in international competitions often experience shifted circadian
rhythms that can be detrimental to their health and performance. Thus, those who are more easily affected by
jet lag may consider using proper coping strategies to realign their circadian
rhythms more quickly. |
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