Biological Rhythms

Question 1

Circadian rhythm

Answer 1

A circadian rhythm is a biological rhythm in which a pattern of behaviour occurs or recurs approximately every 24 hours

Question 2

Infradian rhythm

Answer 2

A type of biological behaviour with a duration of over 24 hours

Question 3

Ultraadian rhythm

Answer 3

A type of biological rhythm that lasts less than 24 hours

Question 4

Examples of infradian

Answer 4

Menstrual cycle
SAD

Question 5

Examples of ultradian

Answer 5

Stages of sleep
Basic rest activity cycle

Question 6

BRAC - ultradian

Answer 6

• kleitman
• suggested 90 min rhythm cycle continues during waking hours
• period of alertness followed by physiological fatigue, recurs during the course of a day
• human mind can focus for about 90m, body begins to run out of sources; concentration, fatigue and hunger
• Ericsson et al -> best violinists tended to practise x3 each day, no more than 90mins, break between to recharge

Question 7

Stern and McClinktock

Answer 7

• 29 women with irregular periods
• pheromones gathered from 9 @ different stages, via cotton pad under armpit
• treated and frozen then rubbed onto upper lip of 20 other pts
• 68% of women experienced changed to their cycle, brought them close to the cycle of their odour donor

Question 8

S.A.D - infradian

Answer 8

• practical application
• SAD phototherapy where a light box stimulates a very strong light in the morning and evening
• reset melatonin levels of people with SAD
• supports this annual infradian rhythm does exist