Biological rhythms: circadian rhythms AO3 Flashcards
What is a strength of research into circadian rhythms? (shift work)
It provides an understanding of the adverse consequences that occur when they are disrupted (desynchronisation).
What do night workers experience around 6 in the morning? (shift work)
A period of reduced concentration (a circadian trough), leading to a higher likelihood of mistakes and accidents.
(Boivin et al. 1996)
How much more likely are shift workers to develop heart disease compared to typical workers? ( shift work)
Shift workers are three times more likely to develop heart disease than people who work more typical work patterns.
(Knutsson 2003)
What real-world implications does research into the sleep/wake cycle have? (shift work)
It may have economic implications in terms of how best to manage worker productivity.
What is a limitation of studies investigating the effects of shift work? (shift work counter)
They tend to use correlational methods, making it difficult to establish whether desynchronisation of the sleep/wake cycle is actually a cause of negative effects. There may be other factors e.g Solomon (1993) concluded that high divorce rates in shift workers might be due to the strain of deprived sleep and other influences such as missing out on important family events. This suggests that it may not be biological factors that create the adverse consequences associated with shift work.
What did Charlene Solomon conclude about high divorce rates in shift workers? (shift work counter)
They might be due to the strain of deprived sleep and other influences such as missing out on important family events.
What does the research suggest about the causes of adverse consequences associated with shift work? (shift work counter)
It suggests that it may not be biological factors that create the adverse consequences.
What is the significance of circadian rhythms in medical treatment? (medical treatment)
Circadian rhythms improve medical treatments by coordinating basic bodily processes like heart rate, digestion, and hormone levels.
These rhythms fluctuate throughout the day, influencing the timing of drug administration.
What is chronotherapeutics? (medical treatment)
Chronotherapeutics is the field that studies how medical treatment can be administered according to a person’s biological rhythms.
This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatments by aligning them with circadian rhythms.
When is aspirin most effective as a treatment for heart attacks? (medical treatment)
Aspirin is most effective when taken last thing at night.
This timing helps reduce the risk of heart attack, which is most likely to occur early in the morning.
How does aspirin function in relation to heart attacks? (medical treatment)
Aspirin reduces blood platelet activity, which can lower the risk of heart attacks.
This mechanism is crucial for preventing clot formation during peak heart attack times.
True or False: Circadian rhythm research has no impact on drug treatment effectiveness. (medical treatment)
False. Circadian rhythm research can increase the effectiveness of drug treatments.
Studies, such as Bonten et al. (2015), support this claim.
Fill in the blank: The timing of taking _______ matters in reducing heart attack risk. (medical treatment)
aspirin
This is particularly relevant due to the body’s natural rhythms affecting drug metabolism and effectiveness.
What is a limitation of research into circadian rhythms? (individual differences)
Generalisations are difficult to make due to individual differences.
What type of samples were used in studies like those by Aschoff and Wever, and Siffre? (individual differences)
Very small samples of participants.
