biological rhythms: infradian & ultradian rhythms Flashcards
1
Q
what is an infradian cycle
A
a cycle that last for longer than 24 hours
2
Q
what is an ultradian cycle
A
a cycle that happens multiple times in the span of 24 hours
3
Q
examples of the ultradian cycle
A
-the sleep cycle
- thermoregulation
4
Q
example of the infradium cycle
A
menstrual cycle
- hibernation
5
Q
what is the average length of the menstrual cycle
A
24-35 days
6
Q
what is the average length of the sleep cycle
A
90 minutes
7
Q
outline the menstrual cycle
A
- governed by monthly changes in hormone levels which regulate ovulation
- between the first day of the period (where womb lining is shed) to the day before the next period
- oestrogen causes ovaries to develop and release an egg
8
Q
when was Stern and McClintock study
A
1998
9
Q
outline Stern and McClintock study
A
- how menstrual cycles may synchronise as a result of pheromones
- participants were 29 women with a history of irregular periods
- samples of pheromones were gathered via cotton pads in armpits for 8 hours.
pads were treated with alcohol, frozen and rubbed on the upper lips of the participants
participants were given pads on each g
day of the menstrual cycle
10
Q
results for Stern and McClintock study
A
68% of cycles got closer to the ones of their odor doner
11
Q
what does SAD stand for
A
seasonal affective disorder
12
Q
What is SAD
A
depressive disorder with a seasonal onset
13
Q
characteristics of SAD
A
- persistent low moods
- lack of activity
- lack of interest in life
14
Q
explain SAD
A
- may be attributed to prolong periods of daily darkness in the winter months
- this leads to prolonged secretion of melatonin during dark morning which has a knock on effect on serotonin
15
Q
strengths of infradian rhythms
A
- research into mental synchrony may be explained by natural selection
