Bareilly: A landmark review study conducted by Dr. Amit Kumar Verma from the Department of Pharmacy at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University and a multi-institutional research team has revealed a significant connection between circadian rhythm — the body’s internal biological clock — and mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviour.
The review-based research, published in the prestigious SCI and Scopus-indexed journal Behavioural Brain Research (Volume 502, Article 116025), analysed several national and international studies to examine how disruptions in the body’s natural timing system can severely impact emotional and psychological well-being.
According to the study, circadian rhythm is a 24-hour biological system that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone secretion, body temperature, energy levels, and emotional states. Researchers noted that modern lifestyle factors such as excessive late-night screen exposure, irregular sleep patterns, lack of sunlight, shift work, and stress disturb this biological clock, increasing the risk of insomnia, irritability, stress, and depression.
One of the study’s most significant findings is that suicidal thoughts and attempts are more commonly observed during specific times of the day, particularly late at night and during early morning hours. Researchers explained that these periods may involve changes in brain activity, increased negative thinking, and weakened emotional regulation.
The study also highlighted the role of two important brain regions — the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN), known as the body’s master clock, and the Lateral Habenula (LHb), associated with regulating negative emotions. Imbalances between these regions may elevate suicide risk.
Researchers introduced the concept of a “risk window,” suggesting that individuals may become mentally more vulnerable and emotionally unstable during certain periods of the day.
The study further proposed several preventive and therapeutic measures, including maintaining a regular daily routine, ensuring adequate sleep, getting morning sunlight exposure, reducing screen time, and practising yoga and meditation. It also emphasized the importance of chronotherapy, including light therapy and sleep management techniques, as promising approaches for mental health treatment.
Expressing appreciation for the achievement, Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.P. Singh said the study represents a major milestone in mental health research. He noted that the findings demonstrate how biological factors, in addition to social and psychological causes, may contribute to suicidal tendencies and mental health disorders.
The research team included Dr. Angubala Ganesh K.S.V. from Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, Gujarat; Dr. Shreya S.A. from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore; Dr. Sujeet Shekhar Mishra from Apollo Medics Super Speciality Hospitals, Lucknow; Dr. Revathi Boyapana from QIS College of Pharmacy, Ongole; and Dr. Shreya Kosanke from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai.
Researchers believe the study opens new scientific avenues for understanding mental health disorders and developing time-based interventions for suicide prevention and emotional well-being.
