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Brain's Internal Clock Found to Drive Circadian Pain Cycles
Scientists have identified a hypothalamic clock mechanism that governs circadian rhythms in pain sensitivity, explaining why chronic pain often worsens at predictable times of day. The finding opens new avenues for timed pain therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Hypothalamic neurons harbor a dedicated clock that governs daily pain sensitivity cycles
- Disrupting the clock gene Bmal1 in these neurons abolished pain rhythms without affecting sleep
- Chronic stress erodes clock amplitude, potentially explaining progression of central sensitization
- Findings support timed analgesic dosing and light-therapy interventions for pain management
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DT Editorial AI··via science.org