Biological Rythms Flashcards
How long do infradian rhythms last?
Less than 24 hours
How long do circadian rhythms last?
24 hours
How long do ultradian rhythms last?
Shorter than 24 hours
What are biological rhythms?
Cyclical patters within biological systems
What are the 3 types of biological rhythms?
Infradian
Circadian
Ultradian
What are examples of infradian Rythms?
Menstrual cycle
Seasonal affective disorder
Hibernation in animals
What are examples of ultradian rythms?
Sleep patterns
Meal patterns
What is the timing of biological rythms determined by?
Factors inside and outside the body
What are endogenous pacemakers?
Some aspects of our biological rythms are set by genetically determined biological structures inside our body
What are exogenous zeitgebers
Influences outside the body which act like a prompt and may trigger a biological rhythm
Do endogenous and exogenous factors interact?
Yes they interact to regulate the timing of our biological rythms
Research on biological rythms has limitations
Animal studies can’t be accurately generalised
Studies that have deprived humans from light have still allowed artificial light which reduces validity
Individual differences
