Biological Rhythms - Circadian Rhythms Flashcards
define biological rhythms
a cycle of activity that occurs with some regularity in a living organism
What are biological rhythms governed by?
endogenous pacemakers
exogenous Zeitgebers
define endogenous pacemakers
our internal biological clock
define exogenous zeitgebers
external environmental cues
Name the types of biological rhythms
- infradian
- circadian
- ultradian
no. cycles in infradian rhythm
less than 1 in 24hrs
no. cycles in circadian rhythms
1 in 24hrs
no. cycles in ultradian rhythms
more than 1 in 24hrs
examples of infadian rhythms
menstrual cycle
seasonal affective disorder
examples of circadian rhythms
sleep-wake cycle
core body temperature
examples of ultradian rhythms
stages of sleep
basic rest-activity cycle
describe the sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm)
suggests light is important
how does exogenous zietgebers help the sleep/wake cycle?
helps guide when we feel drowsy - sleep
when we wake - alert
