For long, scientists have been saying that poor sleep can severely affect the working of the body and thus can make us sick. But a recent study has thrown light over as to how 24 hours of day affects the body.

According to the researchers of the study, circadian rhythm of the body regulates the immune system and helps body in preventing infection. When a person doesn’t get adequate sleep then the chances of a person turning sick increases as the circadian rhythm of the body get disturbed.

It has been informed that the circadian rhythm plays vital role in the functioning of mind and the body. An effective circadian rhythm assures that our concentration levels and grasping power remains strong.

Moreover, it is the circadian rhythm which makes us feel hungry, tired and sleepy. The whole body relies heavily over the circadian rhythm. During the study, the researchers also found that the Toll-like receptor 9, key immune system gene, also falls under the influence of circadian rhythm.

The findings of the study have been published in the journal Immunity. It has been informed by the researchers that individuals can keep a tab over their circadian rhythm. The researchers while concluding the study in the journal wrote “Keep in mind that we feel, function and are healthiest when we work with our circadian rhythms and keep them in-line with the 24-hour day. Establishing routines with eating, sleeping and exercising as best as possible maintains our rhythm and encourages health -- emotional and physical”.

Further studies would be conducted to understand the mechanism of circadian rhythm. However, people have been asked to keep a tab over the sleeping pattern and to get adequate sleep so that the circadian rhythm remains intact.