PMOS (known as PCOS previously) is not merely a disorder of periods and hormones. It is closely intertwined with metabolism, sleep, stress and lifestyle- all of which are influenced by our body’s internal clock.
The circadian rhythm is our natural 24-hour biological clock, synchronized largely by the rising and setting of the sun. It influences hormone secretion, sleep-wake cycles, appetite, digestion and glucose metabolism. In conditions such as PCOS, where hormonal and metabolic regulation may already be altered, maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm can be particularly important.
One hormone closely linked to this rhythm is melatonin. As daylight fades and darkness sets in, melatonin naturally rises, signalling the body to wind down and prepare for sleep. When we stay awake late into the night, expose ourselves to bright light and eat heavy meals at midnight, we may disturb this natural rhythm.
Late-night dinners, particularly carbohydrate-heavy meals, are especially relevant. Our body’s ability to handle glucose is not identical throughout the day. Eating a large meal when the body is preparing for rest may therefore place a different metabolic load than eating the same meal earlier in the day.
This is where meal timing becomes meaningful. Ideally, the dominant and most nourishing meal can be taken during the active daytime hours, when digestion and metabolism are more active. As the sun sets, meals can gradually become simpler, lighter and easier to digest.
Equally important is giving the gut an overnight period of rest between dinner and breakfast. This quiet window allows us to step away from constant digestion and return to a natural rhythm of feeding and fasting.
Interestingly, Ayurveda has described time through Kapha, Pitta and Vata kala, recognizing that the qualities of the body and environment change through the day.
Our ancestors perhaps understood something modern science is rediscovering: health is not only about what we eat, but also when we eat, sleep and live.
As the timeless wisdom says, “Arogyam Bhaskarad Ichheth” - seek health from the Sun - it is more than just blessings that we seek, It is guidance.