Taking Medications by Your (Internal) Clock

Tuesday, October 01, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Aspirin in the morning? Asthma medications at night? Your internal body clock could set the optimal time to take medications, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

In a 24-hour period, body functions vary. Your heart rate and blood pressure are especially low during deep sleep. Peak blood pressure occurs 12 to 14 hours after this low point. Heart rates vary five to 15 beats a minute over a 24-hour period. There are many other normal variations, too, which doctors refer to as circadian rhythm.

Researchers in chronobiology and chronopharmacology are examining circadian rhythm in hopes of finding ways to use this internal biological clock for better health. Among others, studies are underway to determine optimal times to take blood-pressure medications, aspirin and asthma medications.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-351-8963, extension 9PK1.

Shelly Plutowski
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email:newsbureau@mayo.edu

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