Repetitive disturbances of the circadian rhythm, particularly from frequent time-zone shifts and irregular exposure to light, have now been implicated in a variety of diseases, including metabolic syndrome, immune deficiencies, bone and muscle weakness, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and a shortened life span. Sundowner’s syndrome, the tendency for people with Alzheimer’s disease to show confusion and poor memory in the early-evening hours, may well be the result of circadian rhythm disturbances—patients who can successfully restore a normal sleep-wake pattern can stay longer with their
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